Medicare Blog

what to do when u lose your medicare card

by Heidi Larkin 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. ...

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.

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).

Can I get a replacement Medicare card at my local Social Security office?

If you can't use the online request to get a replacement Medicare card, or if you prefer, call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Our representatives will be glad to help you. You can also visit one of our local Social Security offices.

How do I get a new Medicare number without my card?

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.

How long does it take to replace Medicare card?

3 to 4 weeksYour new card will replace your old card. You'll have the same Medicare number that you did before, only the last digit will change. 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.

What can someone do with your Medicare number?

This is a common Medicare scam. Refuse any offer of money or gifts for free medical care. A common ploy of identity thieves is to say they can send you your free gift right away — they just need your Medicare Number. Use a calendar to record all of your doctors' appointments and any tests you get.

Can I find my Medicare number online?

You can access your Medicare Number very easily via your My Social Security online account at www.ssa.gov or www.socialsecurity.gov. If you haven't created an account yet, please do this first.

Can Social Security give me my Medicare number?

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 find my new Medicare ID number?

There are 3 ways you and your office staff can get MBIs:Ask your Medicare patients. Ask your Medicare patients for their Medicare cards when they come for care. ... Use your MAC's secure MBI look-up tool. You can look up MBIs for your Medicare patients when they don't or can't give them. ... Check the remittance advice.

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 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 get a replacement Medicare card?

then don’t worry – you can replace it relatively easily. If enrolled in Medicare, just follow one of these steps to request a replacement card: 1 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 don’t have an online account, you can simply create one. 2 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. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to call during the week from Monday to Friday and between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. 3 You can go to your nearest Social Security office and request a new card in person. 4 Anyone who works for the railroad can request a replacement card through the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) by calling 1-877-772-5772. They are available during the week from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. 5 If enrolled in a Medicare plan, such as Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement Plan or Medigap, you have a separate membership card. If you lose or damage this card, or if someone steals it, then contact the plan directly instead of Social Security or the RRB.

How to get a replacement Social Security 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 don’t have an online account, you can simply create one. 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.

How long does it take for a replacement Medicare card to arrive?

Once you’ve requested a replacement Medicare card, you can expect it to arrive via mail within 30 days. If you have scheduled a medical appointment or need to fill a prescription before then which will require proof of Medicare, then you can request a letter from either Social Security or the RRB that can be used as temporary proof of your Medicare coverage.

Why is Medicare card important?

This card is incredibly important because it proves that you have Medicare insurance. The card shows what type of Medicare you have and when your coverage began. Whenever you visit a doctor, hospital or other medical services, you’ll need to show your Medicare card.

What time does Medicare Advantage come on?

They are available during the week from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. If enrolled in a Medicare plan, such as Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement Plan or Medigap, you have a separate membership card. If you lose or damage this card, or if someone steals it, then contact the plan directly instead of Social Security or the RRB.

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 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 happens if my medicare card expires?

If your Medicare card has expired, your plan does not get renewed, or you feel anxious because you haven’t yet received a new one, the steps to get your card are relatively quick and easy .

What happens if my Medicare plan doesn't renew?

Your plan’s contract is terminated by Medicare. If your plan doesn’t automatically renew, you’ll have a special election period. During a special enrollment period for a Medicare Advantage nonrenewal, you can sign up for a Medicare supplement plan or change your coverage to a new Medicare Advantage plan.

What is a Medicare card?

Medicare cards are an important document that provide proof of your Medicare insurance. They contain: your name. your Medicare ID number. coverage information (Part A, Part B, or both) coverage dates. As long as you continue paying the required premiums, your Medicare coverage (and your Medicare card) should automatically renew every year.

How long does it take to get proof of Medicare?

If you need to prove that you have Medicare in less than 30 days, you can request temporary proof in the form of a letter. This will typically be received within 10 days. If you need proof immediately, such as for a doctor’s visit or prescription, the best option is to visit your nearest Social Security office.

How long does it take to get a new Social Security card?

Your new card should arrive in the mail at the address listed with your Social Security number within 30 days. If you don’t receive it in that time period, you may need to correct something in your account.

Does Medicare automatically renew?

There are some cases where Medicare renewal doesn’t happen automatically, specifically for Medicare Advantage or stand-alone Part D coverage. Some specific situations include: Your plan changes the size of its service area and you live outside that area.

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