Medicare Blog

what to do when lost medicare card

by Damaris Von Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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If enrolled in Medicare, just follow one of these steps to request a replacement card:

  • Go online to the Social Security website. Here you can submit a request for a replacement card via your online Social Security account. ...
  • If you prefer to order a replacement card on the phone, then you can contact the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213. ...
  • You can go to your nearest Social Security office and request a new card in person.
  • Anyone who works for the railroad can request a replacement card through the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) by calling 1-877-772-5772. ...
  • If enrolled in a Medicare plan, such as Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement Plan or Medigap, you have a separate membership card. ...

Full Answer

How do I replace a lost or missing Medicare card?

  • Get Your Medicare Card by Mail. Is it in the mail? ...
  • Visit Your Local Social Security Office. Do I need to visit my Local Social Security Office? ...
  • Gather Your Credentials. How else can I get proof that I’m covered by Medicare? ...
  • Ordering Your Replacement Medicare Card Online. ...

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 you report a stolen Medicare card?

  • Medicare Call Center at (800) 633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-20148)
  • OIG Hotline at (800) 447-8477 (TTY: 800-377-4950) or via email at [email protected]
  • Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Hotline at (877) 438-4338 (TTY: 866-653-4261)

How to replace a lost or stolen Medicaid card?

  • Part D prescription drug coverage
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement)
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C)

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What do you do if you lose your Medicare?

You can replace your Original Medicare card by calling 1-800-633-4227 or by logging into your mymedicare.gov account. 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 calling 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).

How do you get a new Medicare card if you lose it?

You can get a new Medicare card if it expires or is lost, stolen or damaged....If you don't get your card, you can ask for a new one by:using your Medicare online account through myGov.the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.calling the Medicare program.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What to do if you need to replace your Medicare card?

If you need to replace your Medicare card because it’s damaged or lost, log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card.

How do I find my Medicare Advantage plan?

Generally, you can find your plan's contact information on your plan membership card . Or, you can search for your plan's contact information. You can also call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

What to do if my Medicare card is lost?

You should also take steps to assure that the information on the card can’t be used by identity thieves.

How to avoid losing Medicare card?

The best way to avoid loss or theft of your Medicare card is to keep it at home in a safe place. Only carry it if you expect to need it:

Why is Medicare card important?

Your Medicare card is an important piece of information that you should try to keep secure. Old Medicare cards included your Social Security Number and presented a serious risk of identity theft. If you are still using one, you should request a new Medicare card as soon as possible.

Does Medicare use Social Security numbers?

For many years Medicare users were plagued by a serious security flaw: Medicare cards used Social Security Numbers as a part of their claim numbers. Medicare cards often had to be presented at clinics, hospitals and pharmacies and carrying Social Security Numbers openly created a high risk of identity theft.

How to replace Medicare card?

There are several ways to replace a lost Medicare card. People with Original Medicare may request a new card by calling Medicare on 800-633-4227. Individuals may also request a replacement card online through the Social Security website. They will need to sign in to their Social Security account to request the card.

Why should I keep a copy of my Medicare card?

People who make a copy of their Medicare card should keep it in a safe location to protect against identity theft. A lockbox or safe deposit box provides a secure location for important documents. It is also useful to keep the physical card in a place that is easily accessible but safe from theft.

What is Medicare card?

A Medicare card is a person’s unique identifier for healthcare services. The document informs healthcare providers that the individual has health insurance and that Medicare will fund eligible medical services. The Medicare card shows whether a person has Medicare Part A, Part B, or both.

How long does it take for a Medicare card to arrive in the mail?

People who would prefer to request their card in person may visit their local Social Security office. New Medicare cards arrive in the mail about 30 days after the initial request.

Why did Medicare change the beneficiary identifier?

A Medicare beneficiary identifier number replaced the social security number on all Medicare cards in 2018 to reduce the likelihood of medical identity theft. It is still vital, however, to be proactive about preventing fraudulent activity.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage is a privately administered, bundled plan that some people choose instead of Original Medicare. Individuals with Medicare Advantage who need a replacement card should contact their plan provider. They can follow the instructions from the insurance provider’s customer service line or website to request a replacement card.

Can you laminate a Medicare card?

Medicare cards are made from paper, which means that they may fray or fade over time. To protect the card and keep the information readable, some people may want to laminate it. However, the Social Security Administration cautions against laminating the card, as this may interfere with its security features.

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.

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