Replacing a lost Medicare card

A Medicare card carries a Medicare Number that's yours alone. It isn't your Social Security number, which helps protect your identity. The card also shows whether you have Part A, listed as Hospital, Part B, listed as Medical, or both, and the date your coverage began.

What you need

• A computer or phone and a printer, for the online copy
• The details to sign in to your Medicare account, or to create one

Steps

1. 1

   Sign in to your Medicare account

   Log in to your secure Medicare account at Medicare.gov, or create one if you don't have it yet.

   5 min

2. 2

   Print or order the card

   Print an official copy of the card, or order a replacement to be mailed.

   5 min

3. 3

   Or call for a new card

   Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to have a replacement mailed. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. If you get Railroad Retirement Board benefits, call 1-877-772-5772 instead, or 1-312-751-4701 for TTY.

   5 min

A name change

The card shows the name Social Security has on file for you. If you've legally changed your name, update it with Social Security first.

Carrying the card

You'll need the information on the card to join a Medicare health or drug plan or to buy Medicare Supplement Insurance, so keep it somewhere safe.

• With Original Medicare, carry the card when you're away from home and show it to your doctor, hospital or other provider when you get care. Carry the card for a drug plan or supplemental coverage too.
• With a Medicare Advantage Plan or another Medicare health plan, you use the plan's card to get care. Keep the Medicare card safe anyway, in case you switch plans or go back to Original Medicare.

Protecting the number

Treat your Medicare Number like a credit card number. Give it only to your health care providers and your insurance companies or health plans, including their licensed agents or brokers. People you trust who work with Medicare, such as your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, can have it too.

Medicare doesn't call uninvited to ask for personal or private information. Don't share the number with anyone who contacts you by phone, email or in person unless you contacted them first. If someone calls and asks for your information or money, or threatens to cancel your benefits, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE. Call the same number if you think someone else is using your Medicare Number. If you think you've given your information to the wrong person, contact the Federal Trade Commission.