Medicare Lost Cards

Nearly a quarter of a million Americans contact the Social Security Administration to replace Medicare lost cards every year. If you are among the many people whose red, white, and blue Medicare cards have been lost, stolen, or damaged, here is what you need to know.

How Can You Replace a Lost Medicare Card?

You can apply to replace a lost Medicare card at your local Social Security office, but prepare for long lines if you choose to apply in person. Going online is usually the easiest way to apply.

Visit the Social Security Administration’s Replace a Medicare Card page. There, you can fill out an online Medicare lost card application. The process is simple and the website is secure.

To order a replacement Medicare card, you will need to provide:

      • exact information about your last payment or benefit
      • your Social Security number
      • your name as it appears on your Social Security card
      • your date of birth
      • your telephone number

You may also be asked to provide further information for identification purposes.

If you do not remember your Medicare lost card number, your Social Security number should be sufficient when you apply for your replacement card. The only difference between your Medicare number and your Social Security number is the letter code that is added to your Social Security number in order to create your Medicare number.

After you apply for your replacement Medicare card, it should arrive in the mail in about 30 days.

If your Medicare card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should apply for a replacement card promptly because your card is the best verification that you have Medicare. Although your current health care provider may not ask to see your card every time you visit, you never know when you may need to see another doctor—one who <i>will</i> ask for proof of your enrollment in Medicare. Replacing your Medicare card now may well save you a lot of trouble in the future. There is no cost to replace your card, which is the best proof of your eligibility for dozens of great Medicare-provided services.

For further information about Medicare card replacement, call toll-free 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227). TTY: 877-486-2048.

If you have questions about senior healthcare including Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B), Medicare supplement plans, or Medicare Advantage, contact MedicareMall now and let us save you money and lead you with confidence through the Medicare maze!

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