Lost your card? Card expired? Have no fear—getting a new card is a cinch!
Misplacing your Medicare card can be distressing: you need it every time you go to the doctor. But stuff happens. Cards get lost all the time, and though it can be a little annoying to get a replacement card, it’s a lot easier than you think. And remember: losing your card does not mean losing your Medicare benefits.
You have several options for replacing your card quickly. Plus, you’ll get a temporary card in the meantime. So breathe a sigh of relief, and let’s jump in.
Did you know that you can use the Insurify Medicare comparison tool to find the right Medicare plan for you? Start with your ZIP code, and you’ll be comparing plans in your area in just 60 seconds. Fast, easy, and confidential!
How to Replace Your Medicare Card
If you lost your Medicare card, have no fear. You haven’t lost your health insurance, and replacing your card is easy.
You can order your new card online by logging into your Social Security account. Simply visit the Social Security website, SSA.gov. Once you’ve logged in:
1. Click “Replacement Documents”
Click “Mail My Replacement Medicare Card”
Complete the instructions and send in your request.
Be sure to verify your mailing address before you send the card. You can also print an official copy of your Medicare card to use while you wait.
If you want to speak to a person, you can call in your request. Call phone number 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Follow the prompts when you call. The typical wait time is very short. And the customer service representatives are helpful and courteous.
Finally, if you want to order your card in person, you can. You’ll need to go to your local Social Security Administration office. Most are open Monday through Friday.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a New Medicare Card?
Once you’ve submitted your request, it typically takes 30 days to receive your new card in the mail. Until you receive your card, you can print a temporary card from your SSA account online. Or at MyMedicare.gov.
You can also save a digital copy of your Medicare card. You should also send it via email to your doctor’s office—if they accept a digital record.
Once you get your new card, be sure to store it in a safe place. Keep your Medicare things together. This includes your Medicare card, your Medicare Supplement card, and other medical-related information.
How Do I Change My Medicare Number?
Your Medicare number, also called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier, is unique to you. It should be kept confidential. Concerned your Medicare number is no longer private? You can request to change your Medicare number. Please contact Medicare by phone or at your local Social Security office.
Conclusion: Losing Your Card Never Means Losing Medicare Coverage
Your Medicare card is important. It should be kept in a safe place (not your wallet). However, losing your card is not the end of the world. You are still eligible for your Medicare health benefits, and you won’t risk losing coverage. Just:
Order a new card in the way that best fits your needs
Get a temporary replacement
Take good care of your new card
And don’t forget that the Insurify Medicare comparison tool is always here to help you find the best Medicare plan at the best price. With just your ZIP code, you can uncover plan options and compare them side-by-side. Try it today!
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
