According to the Social Security website, here are the documents you may need when enrolling in Medicare only:
- Your birth certificate or other proof of birth.
- Proof of United States citizenship or legal residency if not born in the US.
- Your Social Security card if you are already receiving benefits.
Full Answer
What do you need to know about your Medicare card?
Your Medicare card is proof that you have Medicare health insurance. Be sure to keep it in a safe place when you’re not using it. Your card lets healthcare providers know whether you have Medicare Part A (“HOSPITAL”) or Part B (“MEDICAL”) or both, and the starting date of your coverage.
How do I get a Medicare card?
Getting a Medicare card starts with a phone call: Social Security: 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM. If you’re a TTY user, you can call 1-800-325-0778.
What do I need to enroll in Medicare supplement or Medigap?
Your Medicare card and your Medicare Supplement or Medigap card If you have a Medicare Supplement plan (also known as “Medigap”), you also have a card from the carrier of the plan indicating your active enrollment dates in the Medicare Supplement plan. You will also need to show your Medicare card.
Can I have my own medicare card?
You can have your own Medicare card if you’re aged 15 or older and enrolled in Medicare. You can get a new Medicare card if it expires or is lost, stolen or damaged. You can also get an extra card.
What do you need to bring when applying for Medicare?
What do you need to bring when applying for Medicare?Birth certificate. ... Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. ... Your Social Security card (if already receiving SSA benefits) ... Health insurance information. ... Tax information. ... Military documents. ... Part B enrollment application.
What do you need a Medicare card for?
You use your Medicare card when: making a Medicare claim for a paid or unpaid doctor's account. visiting a doctor who bulk bills. receiving treatment as a public patient in a public hospital.
Can I get a Medicare card online?
How to get a Medicare card online. You can get your own Medicare card using: your Medicare online account through myGov. the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.
How do I apply for Medicare in NJ?
You can apply for Medicare in New Jersey by visiting your local Social Security Administration office or the Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM.
How can a 18 year old get a Medicare card?
These resources are for health services or services working with young people. Generally, young people can get their own Medicare card by visiting a Medicare office or call Medicare on 13 20 11.
Can anyone get Medicare?
Generally, Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities and people with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant). Medicare has two parts, Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medicare Insurance).
How long does it take to get Medicare card after applying?
about 3 weeksYou'll receive your card within about 3 weeks from the date you apply for Medicare. You should carry your card with you whenever you're away from home. You can sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account if you need to print a replacement card.
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.
How long are Medicare cards valid for?
Replacing your Medicare card 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. If it has, update your details so the card gets to you.
Is Medicare free in NJ?
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free help to New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about their health insurance.
What is New Jersey Medicare called?
New Jersey State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, and their families can consult New Jersey's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free help with questions regarding health insurance.
Do I qualify for Medicaid?
Medicaid beneficiaries generally must be residents of the state in which they are receiving Medicaid. They must be either citizens of the United States or certain qualified non-citizens, such as lawful permanent residents. In addition, some eligibility groups are limited by age, or by pregnancy or parenting status.
Sometimes You’Re Automatically Enrolled in Medicare
Medicare enrollment may happen automatically if the following situations apply.If you turn 65 years oldIf you’re already receiving Social Security...
If You’Re New to Medicare
You’ll have to manually apply for Medicare if: 1. You live in Puerto Rico. You may get automatically enrolled in Part A as described above, but you...
If You Need A New Medicare Card Sooner
Have a doctor’s appointment? If you can’t wait 30 days for your new card to arrive, you can visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-7...
Keeping Your Medicare Card Safe
Keep your Medicare card in a safe place, and don’t let anyone else use it. Always have your card handy when you call Medicare with questions.You sh...
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 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 ...
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.
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 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 old do you have to be to get Medicare?
Medicare sends you a red, white, and blue card when you’re signed up. You’re generally eligible for Medicare if you’re a United States citizen or permanent legal resident of at least five continuous years, and you generally qualify by age (65 or older). However, you may qualify for Medicare before turning 65 if you receive Social Security ...
When do you have to enroll in Medicare if you don't qualify?
If you don’t enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, in most cases you’ll have to wait until the General Enrollment Period, which takes place from January to March 31 every year. You may have to pay a late-enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B (and for Medicare Part A, if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A). ...
How to contact Medicare if you are married?
If you’re a TTY user, you can call 1-312-751-4701. You can also sign up online at in person. If you’re married, you and your spouse should each have your own separate Medicare cards with separate Medicare claim numbers. Don’t mix them up, and never use each other’s cards.
When will Medicare start?
If you turn 65 years old. If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, when you reach age 65. Your Medicare card should arrive about three months before your 65th birthday, and your Medicare coverage starts the first day ...
When will Medicare be available for Social Security?
If you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare after 24 months of collecting disability. Your Medicare card should arrive in the 25th month.
What is the number to call for Social Security?
Social Security: 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM. If you’re a TTY user, you can call 1-800-325-0778. Railroad Retirement Board : 1-877-772-5772, Monday through Friday, from 9AM to 3:30PM. If you’re a TTY user, you can call 1-312-751-4701. You can also sign up online at in person.
What is the Medicare card?
Everyone who enrolls in Medicare receives a red, white, and blue Medicare card. This card lists your name and the dates that your Original Medicare hospital insurance ( Part A) and medical insurance ( Part B) began. It will also show your Medicare number, which serves as an identification number in the Medicare system.
When will Medicare cards be available for 2020?
Note: Medicare has finished mailing new Medicare cards to all beneficiaries. 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.
Do you have to use a blue card to go to the doctor?
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO, PPO, or PFFS), you will not use the red, white, and blue card when you go to the doctor or hospital.
Do you have to show your Medicare card to your doctor?
If you have a supplemental insurance plan, like a Medigap, retiree, or union plan, make sure to show that plan’s card to your doctor or hospital, too, so that they can bill the plan for your out-of-pocket costs . Note: Medicare has finished mailing new Medicare cards to all beneficiaries.
Medicare Eligibility
Your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare lasts for seven months, starting three months before you reach the age of 65 and ending three months after. Eligibility for Medicare benefits is available for people age 65 and older.
What to Bring When Applying for Medicare
If you’re collecting Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare. You won’t need to dig up any documents to apply. The same goes for being eligible due to collecting SSDI after 24 months.
Documents for Medicare Advantage and Medigap
Whether you sign up for Medicare Advantage or Medigap, you’ll need both your Medicare number and the date your Original Medicare coverage started. This information will be on your Medicare card. You can also access this information through your dashboard on the Social Security website if you created an account to enroll.
What If I Lost My Documents?
If you lost your documents or can’t locate them, you still have time to obtain new copies before applying for Medicare. This involves contacting your state or local offices for copies of records and other documents that you might not have readily available. Here’s how you can obtain new copies.
Enrolling in Medicare
Once you’ve got all of your documents in order, you’re ready to apply! To get started, check out my guide: How to Apply for Medicare.
