How Do I Replace a Lost or Missing Medicare Card?

For as long as you’ve had Medicare, you’ve known how important your red, white, and blue Medicare card can be.

Your Medicare card is your best proof that you’re covered by Medicare insurance.

You’ve used your card to receive a variety of health care services, and you’ve never had a problem with your Medicare card.

But now you’ve lost your card. Maybe it was stolen. Or perhaps it was damaged and needs to be replaced.

Whichever of these situations applies to you, the result is the same. You need a replacement Medicare card.

Is it in the mail?  Sure. At least, that’s what they told you. A lot of other people heard the same thing. But, as we all know, things can happen with the mail. Some people never receive their Medicare cards in the mail and need to request replacement cards even though they’ve never even seen their Medicare cards.

If for any reason you never received or can’t find your Medicare card, the good news is that you’re not alone. Nearly 750,000 Americans contact the Social Security Administration to replace Medicare cards every year—and it’s easy to replace a Medicare card that’s been lost, stolen, or damaged.

Do I need to visit my Local Social Security Office?  Visiting your local Social Security office isn’t normally the most convenient way to apply for Medicare card replacement, but it may be the best way to get proof that you’re covered by Medicare if you need to present such evidence immediately to a health service provider. You can also apply for your replacement card at your local Social Security office, but if you plan to do so you can expect long lines or waiting periods at some Social Security offices.

How else can I get proof that I’m covered by Medicare?  If you’re in a hurry to get proof of your Medicare enrollment, you can request it by calling 1-800-772-1213 toll-free. To avoid complications, you should know your Medicare number when you call. After requesting proof of your enrollment in Medicare, you should expect a letter confirming your Medicare coverage in about 10 days.

Making a request for a new card online is the easiest way for most people to get a new Medicare card. The process is simple and the website is secure. Visit the Social Security Administration’s Replace a Medicare Card page and fill out the online application for a replacement card.

To order a replacement Medicare card, you’ll need to provide exact information about your last payment or benefit, your Social Security number and your name as it appears on your Social Security card, your date of birth, and your telephone number. You may also need to provide further information for identification purposes.

After Requesting your new card, what’s next?

After you apply for your replacement 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.

Even if you’ve been managing for months or years now without replacing a lost Medicare card, don’t count on beating the odds forever. 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 will ask for proof of your enrollment in Medicare. Replacing a lost or stolen Medicare card now may well save you a lot of trouble in the future. It doesn’t cost anything to replace your card, and it could provide peace of mind to know you’ve got your Medicare card and instant proof of your eligibility for so many great Medicare-covered services.

For even greater peace of mind, you’ll want to check out Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare Advantage Plans. Enrollment in Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) provides health coverage you’ll need, but Medicare supplement (or Medigap) insurance provide fuller coverage by filling gaps in Original Medicare, covering a wider range of health care services, and saving you a lot of money in the long run.

Read more about Medicare Cards in our Learning Center and Senior Living Blog

If you’d like to know more about how to save money on your health care costs, contact MedicareMall now and one of our licensed, bonded representatives will be happy to answer any questions and to help you find the health insurance plan that‘s right for you and your wallet.

MedicareMall Learning Center Index |Related: Replace a Medicare Card at Medicare.gov