Securely destroy your old Medicare card. Protect yourself by making sure no one can get your personal information from your old Medicare card. Start using your new Medicare card. You can start using your new Medicare card right away. Use it the same way you used your old card.
Full Answer
How do I get a replacement Medicare card?
You can request to get a new card through your online account with Social Security by following these steps: Log in. If you don’t yet have a myMedicare.gov account, go to “Create an Account,” and follow the instructions. After logging in, select “Replacement Documents.” Select “Mail my replacement Medicare Card”.
What to do if a Medicare card is lost or stolen?
What to do if a Medicare card is lost, stolen, or damaged. If your red, white, and blue Original Medicare card is lost or stolen, or you can no longer use it because it is too faded or damaged, you can replace it by contacting the Social Security Administration. You can also apply for a new card online or go to your local Social Security...
What do I do if I Lost my MyMy card?
My card is lost or damaged — Log into (or create) your Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
What happens if I Lose my Original Medicare card?
If your red, white, and blue Original Medicare card is lost or stolen, or you can no longer use it because it is too faded or damaged, you can replace it by contacting the Social Security Administration.
Should I keep my old Medicare card?
Keep your Medicare Advantage Card: If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare – you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card too.
Can I still use my old Medicare card?
You can still use your old card to get your care covered until January 1, 2020. However, if you have not received your new card, you should call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) and speak to a representative.
Should I laminate my Medicare card?
While not illegal, the Social Security Administration advises that you do not laminate your Medicare card. Lamination may prevent detection of security features.
Do Medicare cards need to be updated?
Your Medicare card is a sensitive, personal record that should be kept in a safe place at all times. But life happens, and sometimes Medicare cards get lost, stolen, or damaged. Life circumstances can also change, such as your name or address, and a Medicare card may need to be updated.
What happens when Medicare card expires?
Your old card will no longer be valid. We'll send your new card to the address you give us, in 3 to 4 weeks. You can use a digital copy of your Medicare card in the meantime. Read more about how to get a digital card.
Does Medicare send you a new card every year?
You're getting a new Medicare card! Between April 2018 and April 2019, we'll be removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and mailing each person a new card. This will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity.
Can I put my Medicare card in plastic?
You'll definitely want to take good care of your Medicare card – don't lose track of it, and keep it in good condition. However, the Social Security Administration doesn't recommend laminating important identification cards because the plastic coating may interfere with the card's security features.
Should I carry my Medicare card with me or a copy?
Paul Stephens, director of policy and advocacy for the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, recommends that you carry your Medicare card only when you visit a health care provider for the first time, so the provider can make a copy for its file.
Can I cover my Medicare card with plastic?
What Is the Best Way To Protect Your Medicare Card? The easiest way to protect your Medicare card is to use a plastic ID holder. This holder will allow you to protect your Medicare card without limiting the security features associated with it.
How do I update my Medicare card online?
The screen layout will look different if you're using a mobile device.Step 1: sign in. Sign in to myGov and select Medicare. ... Step 2: update your details. Go to the details you want to update, then select Edit. ... Step 3: sign out.
Does Medicare automatically renew?
Although there are a few exceptions, Medicare plans generally renew each year automatically. This is true for original Medicare as well as Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Medicare Part D plans.
What can someone do with my Medicare number?
In the unfortunate event that you fall victim to health care fraud, here's what scammers may do with your Medicare number:Identity theft or identity swapping.Double billing.Phantom billing.Upcoding.Unbundling.Bogus marketing.Impersonating a healthcare professional.Prescription forgery.More items...•
Does my Medicare number expire?
Medicare cards are valid for 5 years. We'll send you a new card before your old one expires. You don't have to do anything unless your address has changed.
Should I carry my new Medicare card with me or a copy?
Paul Stephens, director of policy and advocacy for the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, recommends that you carry your Medicare card only when you visit a health care provider for the first time, so the provider can make a copy for its file.
How do I update my Medicare card online?
The screen layout will look different if you're using a mobile device.Step 1: sign in. Sign in to myGov and select Medicare. ... Step 2: update your details. Go to the details you want to update, then select Edit. ... Step 3: sign out.
Does Medicare automatically send you a card?
Once you're signed up for Medicare, we'll mail you your Medicare card in your welcome packet. You can also log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print your official Medicare card. I didn't get my Medicare card in the mail. View the Medicare card if you get benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board.
Protect your Medicare Number like a credit card
Only give personal information, like your Medicare Number, to health care providers, your insurance companies or health plans (and their licensed agents or brokers), or people you trust that work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) A state program that gets money from the federal government to give free local health insurance counseling to people with Medicare. ..
Carrying your card
You’ll need the information on your Medicare card to join a Medicare health or drug plan or buy Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) An insurance policy you can buy to help lower your share of certain costs for Part A and Part B services (Original Medicare). so keep your Medicare card in a safe place.
How do you get another Medicare card?
My card is lost or damaged — Log into (or create) your Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
How to get a replacement Medicare card?
Go to Sign In or Create an Account. Once you are logged in to your account, select the "Replacement Documents" tab. Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare card.”. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security so be sure to make sure your mailing address is correct before completing ...
What happens if my Medicare card is stolen?
If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can request a replacement with your personal my Social Security account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one online. Go to Sign In or Create an Account.
What to do if your Medicare card is stolen?
Also, if your Medicare card has been lost or stolen, watch out for Medicare fraud. Check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for services you did not receive, and if you spot any, report them to the Inspector General’s fraud hotline at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
How long does it take to get a replacement Medicare card?
You should get your new card in the mail within 30 days. Your Medicare card, Social Security card, and other health insurance cards are very important documents.
How to report Medicare fraud?
Check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for services you did not receive, and if you spot any, report them to the Inspector General’s fraud hotline at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). You can also get help from your local Senior Medicare Patrol.
What is included in my Medicare card?
Besides your full name, your Medicare card includes your Medicare number as well as important information about the health insurance coverage to which you are entitled. This includes: 2. Medicare number —This is one of the most important pieces of information on your Medicare card. It’s what the billing department will use when it submits ...
How long does it take to get a replacement Medicare card?
According to the Health and Human Services Department, it can take about 30 days for your replacement card to arrive in the mail.
What is a red white and blue Medicare card?
It acts as proof that you have Medicare health insurance, and it provides the starting date (s) of your coverage.
What happens if you lose your Medicare number?
If it is lost or stolen and gets into the wrong hands, you could be the victim of identity theft. Your personal information could be used fraudulently to obtain medical care or submit billing to Medicare in your name. Today, your Medicare number is no longer your SSN.
What is Part A in Medicare?
Part A —If you have Part A, labeled HOSPITAL, you are entitled to care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, hospice care and home healthcare. The date your coverage begins is also included. 4. Part B —If you have Part B, labeled MEDICAL, you are entitled to medical care and preventive services.
Where to keep a medical card if you don't want to go to the doctor?
If you don’t want to carry the card with you when you’re not going to the doctor, you should keep it in a safe place at home, such as a locked desk drawer or a fireproof safe. Be sure to put it back in the same place every time once you’re done using it.
Do you need a separate ID card for Medicare?
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan, you will receive a separate ID card. If your plan covers prescription drugs, your MA card will include that information too. You should use your MA card as your primary Medicare card, but you should still keep your Medicare card in a safe place.
How to get a replacement Medicare card if lost?
If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can ask for a replacement by using your online my Social Security account, even if you don't yet receive Social Security benefits. If don’t already have a Social Security on-line account, you can create one online. Go to Sign In or Create an Account.
How long does it take for a Medicare card to arrive?
Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare Card.”. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security.
