Needing to replace a Medicare card is far more common than you may think. Every year, almost a quarter million Americans apply for replacement Medicare cards.
If you’re among the many people whose Medicare cards have been lost, damaged, or stolen, here’s what you need to know about replacing your card.
How Do I Replace a Lost Medicare Card?
You can apply at your local Social Security office if you want, but don’t expect to do so without getting stuck in long lines. Going online is usually a much easier way to apply than standing in line.
If you visit the Social Security Administration’s Replace a Medicare Card page, you can fill out an online Medicare lost card application. It’s simple and the website is secure.
When You Apply For Your Replacement Medicare Card, Be Ready 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 need to provide further information for identification purposes. You should also be ready to provide your Medicare lost card number.
If you don’t know your Medicare number, your primary care doctor should have it. If necessary, you can get your number by calling toll-free 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).
The only difference between your Medicare number and your Social Security number is the letter code that’s 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. Though your current health care provider may not ask to see your card every time you visit, you never know when you may need to visit another doctor who will ask to see proof that you’re on Medicare—and your red, white, and blue Medicare card is the best proof you can have.
If you have questions about senior healthcare including Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B), Medicare supplement plans, or Medicare Advantage, contact a licensed, bonded MedicareMall representative who can lead you with confidence through the Medicare maze!
If you’ve ever lost your Medicare card, tell us about it. Please leave a comment below.
Medicare Lost Cards© 2013 MedicareMall.com
Why can’t the Medicare people issue a card similar to driver’s licenses that are a standard size and laminated? My Medicare card is only a few weeks old and already getting mutilated due to its flimsy construction and large size.
When I got mine I went to Staples and had it laminated, it was under $5.00 to do it. I forget what the cost was, but it was cheap. My card is just like new due to that fact. A friend who was on Medicare already told us that handy hint.