Medicare Blog

when will i get my first medicare card

by Dr. Kavon Flatley Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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After you apply for Medicare insurance and are accepted into the program, you will generally receive your Medicare card within about three weeks. If you are already receiving Social Security and are automatically enrolled, you should receive your Medicare card about two months prior to your 65th birthday.

Full Answer

What to expect when you receive your new Medicare card?

You’ll have to manually apply for Medicare if:

  • You live in Puerto Rico. You may get automatically enrolled in Part A as described above, but you’ll need to sign up for Part B.
  • You aren’t receiving retirement benefits yet.
  • You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

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)

When will you receive your new Medicare card?

citizen) person of any age, who is:

  • Receiving Social Security benefits
  • Railroad Retirement Board benefits
  • Have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

What age do you get a Medicare card?

  • You are 65 or older and meet the citizenship or residency requirements.
  • You are under age 65, disabled, and your premium-free Medicare Part A coverage ended because you returned to work.
  • You have not paid Medicare taxes through your employment or have not worked the required time to qualify for premium-free Part A.

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Does Medicare automatically send you a card?

You should automatically receive your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthday. You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare after 24 months and should receive your Medicare card in the 25th month.

How long does it take to receive 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.

When should I expect 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 know if I get Medicare automatically?

Medicare will enroll you in Part B automatically. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you're not getting disability benefits and Medicare when you turn 65, you'll need to call or visit your local Social Security office, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Can I get my Medicare number before I receive 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.

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 you get a Medicare card when you turn 18?

Generally, young people can get their own Medicare card by visiting a Medicare office or call Medicare on 13 20 11.

Does Medicare go into effect on your birthday?

(If your birthday is on the first of the month, coverage starts the month before you turn 65.)...When your coverage starts.If you sign up:Coverage starts:The month you turn 65The next month1 month after you turn 652 months after you sign up2 or 3 months after you turn 653 months after you sign up1 more row

Does everyone automatically get Medicare Part B?

Some people get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) automatically and some people need to sign up for them.

Why is my first Medicare bill so high?

If you're late signing up for Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) and/or Medicare Part D, you may owe late enrollment penalties. This amount is added to your Medicare Premium Bill and may be why your first Medicare bill was higher than you expected.

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...

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 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 phone number for eHealth?

Call eHealth's licensed insurance agents at 888-391-2659, TTY users 711 . We are available Mon - Fri, 8am - 8pm ET. You may receive a messaging service on weekends and holidays from February 15 through September 30. Please leave a message and your call will be returned the next business day.

What happens if you don't reach your deductible?

Even if you haven’t reached your deductible, your doctor will need your card information to submit a claim. That claim will be applied to your deductible so you can use your benefits sooner. If you receive a new Medicare card, show it to your doctor’s office staff so they can make a copy of the updated information.

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). ...

Your first chance to sign up (Initial Enrollment Period)

Generally, when you turn 65. This is called your Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65.

Between January 1-March 31 each year (General Enrollment Period)

You can sign up between January 1-March 31 each year. This is called the General Enrollment Period. Your coverage starts July 1. You might pay a monthly late enrollment penalty, if you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Special Situations (Special Enrollment Period)

There are certain situations when you can sign up for Part B (and Premium-Part A) during a Special Enrollment Period without paying a late enrollment penalty. A Special Enrollment Period is only available for a limited time.

Joining a plan

A type of Medicare-approved health plan from a private company that you can choose to cover most of your Part A and Part B benefits instead of Original Medicare. It usually also includes drug coverage (Part D).

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.

What is Medicare Made Clear?

Medicare Made Clear is brought to you by UnitedHealthcare to help make understanding Medicare easier. Click here to take advantage of more helpful tools and resources from Medicare Made Clear including downloadable worksheets and guides.

How to enroll in Medicare Part A and B?

How to Enroll Yourself in Medicare Parts A & B. You can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B online at www.ssa.gov, in-person at your local Social Security office, or you can call 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-800-325-0778 (7 a.m. – 7 p.m. , local time, Monday Friday .

How to find out if you have a Medicare Advantage card?

The best place to find information about your insurance card is to call the insurance provider directly. Call your plan's customer service number and speak to a representative.

How long does it take for a new Social Security card to arrive in the mail?

Your new card should arrive in the mail in about 30 days. If you live outside the United States and its territories, contact the nearest U.S. Social Security Insurance office, U.S. Embassy or consulate, or the Veterans Affairs Regional Office (VARO) in the Philippines.

When does Medicare start?

Coverage usually begins the first day of your birthday month. If your birthday is on the first day of the month, coverage usually starts the month prior. If you are under age 65 and have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, your Medicare ID card will arrive during the 25th month you have been receiving disability benefits.

When does Medicare start covering Lou Gehrig's disease?

Coverage starts at the beginning of the 25th month you have been receiving disability benefits. If you have Lou Gehrig’s disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/ALS) and begin receiving your Social Security disability benefits, you will receive your Medicare ID card the first month your disability begins. Coverage also starts the first month your ...

When will Medicare card be automatically mailed?

Enrollment in Original Medicare and the receipt of your Medicare ID card will be automatic if you meet one of the following conditions. If you are turning age 65 and receiving Social Security Insurance or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, your Medicare ID card will arrive three months before your 65th birthday.

What happens if you have delayed Part B?

If you have delayed Part B, your start date will be different from above, as will your Medicare Advantage and Medigap effective dates. If you are enrolled in Medicare Advantage and want to switch to Medigap, click to learn your effective date. If you are enrolled in Medigap and Switch to Medicare Advantage, click to learn the rules.

How long does Medicare last after you turn 65?

During the 1st month you turn 65. Medicare will start 1 month after you sign up. One month after you turn 65. Medicare will start 2 months after you sign up. 2 months after you turn 65. Medicare will start 3 months after you sign up. 3 months after you turn 65. Medicare will start 3 months after you sign up.

When you apply for Medicare will it affect your effective date?

When you choose to apply for Medicare will affect your effective date. Understanding when your Medicare Part A and Part B will be effective is key to coordinate cancellation of your current insurance and enrollment into Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans. While most people will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare, ...

What is the phone number for Medicare?

If you have an urgent matter or need enrollment assistance, call us at 800-930-7956. By submitting your question here, you agree that a licensed sales representative may respond to you about Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, and Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.

When do you get your Social Security card?

This typically happens when you have already enrolled to receive Social Security. If this is your case, you will receive your red, white, and blue card about three months before your 65 birthday, and your coverage will begin on the 1st day of your birth month.

How long does it take to get Medicare at 65?

Go to www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare at least 90 days prior to turning 65 for your Medicare to begin the first day of the month you turn 65. It takes Social Security a few days to do the paperwork. •Turning 65 and “Still Working”- Talk to your Employers Human Resources. Ask if you need to enroll in Part B.

What to do if you don't need Part B?

If you do not need Part B because you are “still working” or your spouse is “still working” and you may be on their group plan. Toni Says®: Take your time when enrolling in Medicare. Know your Medicare options. For questions regarding the maze of Medicare, call the Toni Says Medicare hotline at 832-519-8664.

When will Medicare send a welcome card?

Medicare will send your “Welcome to Medicare” kit 90 days before you turn 65 with your Medicare card in the kit. •Turning 65 and NOT Receiving a Social Security Check - because you are still working or may not be working but waiting past 65 to receive 100% of your Social Security.

When does Medicare start automatically?

For your Medicare card to automatically begin the first day of the month that you turn 65 depends on whether you are receiving your social security check. Receiving your social security check is your ticket to starting your Medicare at 65. Every person’s Medicare situation is different and as I have written before trying to compare your Medicare ...

Who is the author of the Medicare Survival Guide?

For questions regarding the maze of Medicare, call the Toni Says Medicare hotline at 832-519-8664. Toni King, author of the Medicare Survival Guide® is giving a $5 discount on the Medicare Survival Guide® Advanced book to the Toni Says Medicare column readers at www.tonisays.com. ×.

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