Medicare Blog

what to do to get my medicare card

by Lilly Kunde III Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How do I get my Medicare card?

  • Apply for Medicare online at the Social Security Administration website.
  • Apply over the phone by calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778).
  • You can apply in person at your local Social Security office.

Full Answer

How long does it take to get your Medicare card?

Your Medicare card should arrive in the mail 30 days after your request for a new one was received. The Social Security office will mail this card to the address you have listed on file. Surely keep Social Security updated with any changes to your address or personal information.

Why have I not received my Medicare card?

It's sent to people who:

  • Go to Social Security to sign up for Medicare
  • First sign up for Social Security retirement benefits (at age 65 or older)
  • Automatically get Medicare with less than 3 months before coverage starts (usually for people under age 65 with certain disabilities)

How do I get a replacement for my Medicare card?

You can get a replacement Medicare card by logging in to your Social Security or Medicare account or calling for help. Medicare will send your card in the mail along with your Welcome to Medicare packet. Click here to see a sample of the red, white, and blue Medicare card.

When will you get your Original Medicare card?

You should receive your Medicare card in the mail in the 25th month after you receive your first Social Security check. For individuals with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare the same month that your disability benefits begin.

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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.

Can I 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 get my Medicare number before my card arrives?

You can sign in to see your Medicare Number or print an official copy of your card. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. There might be a problem that needs to be corrected, like updating your mailing address.

When should I receive my Medicare card?

Your Medicare card should arrive about three months before your 65th birthday, and your Medicare coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65.

How do I get my own Medicare card when I turn 18?

To get your own Medicare card, visit a Medicare office or call Medicare on 13 20 11.

Can I print my new Medicare card online?

To print your Medicare card, you actually need to log in to a completely different online account at www.medicare.gov. Once logged in, you'll see a section titled “What do you want to do?”. Click on “Print my Medicare card”. The next page will prompt you to re-enter your online password.

How long does new Medicare card take?

3 to 4 weeksYou'll see your new Medicare card and number. Keep a copy of this number for future reference. You can use your digital Medicare card in the Express Plus Medicare mobile app straight away. We'll send your new Medicare card in 3 to 4 weeks.

Do you automatically get a Medicare card when you turn 65?

You should receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. If you are NOT receiving benefits from Social Security or the RRB at least four months before you turn 65, you will need to sign up with Social Security to get Parts A and B.

How do I get my Medicare number from Social Security?

If you need to know your new Medicare number now, you have some options. In your personal my Social Security account, you can get your Benefit Verification Letter, which includes your Medicare number. You can also visit Medicare.gov and sign in to see your Medicare number and print an official copy of your card.

How do I know if my Medicare is active?

If you'd like to make sure you're enrolled in Original Medicare, you can call the program at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users call 1-877-486-2048. You can also check your Medicare enrollment online at Medicare.gov.

How do I know if I have Medicare?

Your enrollment status shows the name of your plan, what type of coverage you have, and how long you've had it. You can check your status online at www.mymedicare.gov or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

Is your Medicare number the same as your Social Security number?

Instead of your Social Security Number (SSN), your new Medicare card will include a new number unique to you. This will help to protect you against identity theft and protect Medicare from fraud. Medicare will automatically mail your new card to the address you have on file with Social Security.

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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.

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 ...

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.

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 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). ...

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.

Do you have to pay late enrollment penalty for Medicare?

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). Some people decide to delay Medicare Part B enrollment if they have other coverage, since Part B comes with a premium.

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.

Can a doctor look up my Medicare card?

Sometimes doctors can look up your Medicare information without requiring your card if they have access to the Medicare Administrative Contractor portal. You’ll need to provide your full legal name, birthday and SSN. 7.

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.

How long does it take to get Medicare?

This date marks the beginning of your Initial Enrollment Period. This period lasts for a total of seven months , and you must apply for Medicare coverage during this period to avoid having to pay late enrollment penalties. The seven months encompass the three months prior to your birthday, your birth month, and the three months following your birth month.

What happens after you enroll in Medicare?

After enrolling in Medicare, you will receive your Medicare identification card so that you can use it to receive healthcare coverage at a variety of different facilities across the United States. Since Medicare is a government-run entity, applications for insurance coverage are handled by the Social Security Administration.

How many months are you eligible for Medicare?

The seven months encompass the three months prior to your birthday, your birth month, and the three months following your birth month. You are able to apply for Medicare in a few different ways. If you prefer to apply in person, you can do so at your local Social Security office.

Is Medicare dependent on Social Security?

Unlike Social Security benefits, Medicare eligibility is not dependent on retirement. However, if you are already receiving Social Security benefits at the age of 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare. It is important to note that even if you are automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B, you still must apply to Part D separately ...

Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?

Original Medicare encompasses both Part A and Part B. At the time you apply for Original Medicare, you also have the ability to sign up for Medicare Part D coverage, which covers prescription drugs.

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.

Medicare basics

Start here. Learn the parts of Medicare, how it works, and what it costs.

Sign up

First, you’ll sign up for Parts A and B. Find out when and how to sign up, and when coverage starts.

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 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.

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.

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