How to Get a Replacement Medicare Card

There are several reasons why you might find yourself in need of a replacement Original Medicare card. If your card has been lost, stolen, damaged, or you’ve recently had a legal name change through the Social Security Administration (SSA) office, you will need a replacement card to continue receiving your Medicare benefits without delays and denials.

Ways to Replace your Medicare Card

If you’ve had a name change through the SSA, the SSA will request a new card on your behalf by coordinating with Medicare. If you need a replacement Medicare card for any other reason, there are several ways to request and receive a new one.

Print a New Medicare Card

The quickest way to get a replacement card is to print an official copy through your Medicare.gov account.¹ Simply log in and select the “Get my Medicare card” button, then verify your password to see the option to “Print Medicare Card.” Print in color if you are partial to the red, white, and blue, but black and white works just as well.

Request a New Medicare Card Online

You can request to have an official copy of your card mailed to you through your Medicare.gov account. After verifying your password, select the “Order Medicare Card” button.

You can also order a card to be mailed to you through your My Social Security account. Once logged in to your account, scroll down to the Medicare Enrollment Details section and select “Replace your Medicare Card” and confirm on the next step.

If you are receiving Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you can submit an online service request through the RRB website to have a replacement card mailed to you.

You can typically expect to receive your new card in about 30 days if you opt to have it sent by mail.

Request a New Medicare Card by Phone

If you prefer to request a replacement card over the phone, you have several options:

• Contact the Medicare Service Center at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY: 1-877-486-2048). Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week except on some federal holidays.
• Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). Available in most U.S. time zones Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. in English and other languages.
• If you are receiving Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you may call 1-877-772-5772 (TTY: 1-312-751-4701). Available 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on weekdays except federal holidays.

Before you call, be prepared to provide your:

1. Social Security Number (SSN) or your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) number

2. At least one of the following: beneficiary’s full name, address, date of birth, Part A effective date, or Part B effective date

Request a New Medicare Card In-person

If you need a replacement card right away for an upcoming appointment or prescription and do not have access to a printer, you can visit your local Social Security office to request a replacement card in person (no appointment necessary). This is the second quickest method to receive your replacement Medicare card, but it does require the most time and effort. Use the Social Security office locator to find the office for your zip code.

Protecting Your Medicare Card: Tips and Advice

Once you have your replacement card, it’s important to take precautions to keep it secure and protect your personal information. Here are some tips to help you safeguard your Medicare card:

1. Safe Storage and Handling of Your Card

• Carry your Medicare card with you for all medical appointments. The government also recommends carrying it whenever you leave your house. If you have a Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plan), bring that plan’s card instead and leave your Original Medicare card secure at home. If you have additional coverage such as Medicare Supplement Insurance or a Prescription Drug Plan, carry those cards as well.
• Avoid laminating your Medicare card as it can compromise security features and make it difficult to copy. Instead, consider using a card protector sleeve to keep it safe from wear.
• Consider making a copy of your card and keeping it in a secure place as a backup in case of an emergency.

2. Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud

• Keep your Medicare card and your 11-character Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) number private and only share them with your doctor, insurance companies, and other healthcare providers when necessary.
• Beware of scams offering plastic Medicare cards.² Medicare cards are made of paper to allow for easy scanning and copying.
• Never give your MBI to someone who calls you claiming they need it. Scammers often pretend to be Medicare agents or health care staff. Hang up and call the entity yourself to verify the call.
• Regularly check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for any services you didn’t receive, especially if your Medicare card was lost or stolen. Report any discrepancies to the Inspector General’s fraud hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). You can also seek assistance from your local Senior Medicare Patrol.

Learn more about Medicare

If you have questions about coverage, enrollment, switching plans, or other topics related to Medicare, we have compiled answers to many of these common Medicare questions. If you’d like information about plans available in your area, view our Medicare Solutions. Mutual of Omaha is always here to help.

Sources:

¹ Medicare.gov Webpage: Your Medicare Card. (1/12/24), from https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/using-medicare/your-medicare-card

² WGAL.com Webpage: Fraudsters target people on Medicare with plastic card scam. (8/29/2023), from https://www.wgal.com/article/medicare-plastic-card-scam/44942317

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