Medicare Eligibility Tool

Your Medicare Card

Need a Replacement Card? Order a Medicare Card by Phone or Online

If you lose or damage your Medicare card, you can obtain a replacement card from Social Security one of the following ways:

• Order Online by visiting the Medicare Card Replacement section of Social Security's Web site. You card will be mailed within 30 days to the address SSA has on record.

  To make an online request, you will need the following information:

  • Your last (exact) payment amount or the month and year you last received a payment if you have received benefits in the last 12 months.
  • Your name as it appears on your most recent Social Security card
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your Date of Birth
  • Your phone number in case we need to contact you about your request
  • Your e-mail address (optional)

  You may also need:

  • Your Place of Birth
  • Your Mother's Maiden Name (to help identify you)
  
  
  

  Their Online business hours are:
  
  Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. until 1 a.m.
  Saturday: 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.
  Sunday: 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
  Holidays: 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.

• If you need proof right away that you have Medicare, contact your local Social Security Office or call the toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. The people there can give you proof that you can use until you get your replacement Medicare card.

  If you get benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, call your local RRB office, or call 1-800-808-0772.

  Make sure you have your Medicare number ready when you call. You should receive your new card in about four weeks.

New to Medicare?

You will receive your Medicare card in the mail 3 months prior to eligibility. The Medicare card will include your name, Medicare claim number, the type of coverage you have (Part A, Part B, or both), and the date your coverage starts.

Using Your Medicare Card

Show your card whenever you get medical care. This will assure that a claim for payment is sent to Medicare. Make sure to use your exact name and claim number. If you are married, your spouse will have his or her own card and claim number. Never let anyone else use your Medicare card, and keep the number as safe as you would a credit card number. Take your card with you when you travel, and have it handy when you call about a Medicare claim.

Note: CMS began using cards displaying the 1-800-Medicare number. If you have a card that shows something different, it is still valid and can be used to get medical care.

SSA Publication No. 05-11069
January 2000
ICN 480390

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