You should receive your Medicare card about two weeks before your 65th birthday
Social Security mails your Medicare card automatically three weeks before the month you turn 65. If your birthday is on any day in a given month, your card should arrive by the middle of the month before. For example, if you turn 65 on March 15, your card will arrive in mid-February.
The card comes in a plain white envelope from Social Security. It shows your name, Medicare number, and the date your coverage begins. You do not need to do anything to receive it — as long as you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have been living in the country for at least five years, Social Security sends it automatically.
If you have not received your card by two weeks before your birthday, contact Social Security right away. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office. Have your Social Security number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- Your Medicare card arrives about three weeks before your 65th birthday, usually in the middle of the month before you turn 65.
- You do not need to request the card or take any action — Social Security sends it automatically if you meet residency requirements.
- The card shows your Medicare number, which you will need to share with doctors and hospitals starting the day your coverage begins.
- If your card does not arrive within two weeks of your birthday, contact Social Security by phone or in person to request a replacement.
- Your coverage begins on the first day of the month in which you turn 65, even if your card arrives late.
What happens if your card arrives late
Your Medicare coverage begins on the first day of the month you turn 65, regardless of whether you have received your physical card. You do not have to wait for the card to arrive to start using your benefits. Doctors and hospitals can look up your Medicare number using your Social Security number and date of birth.
If you need proof of coverage before your card arrives, you can print a temporary notice from your Medicare account at Medicare.gov. Log in with your username and password, go to "My Medicare," and select "read Your Medicare Card." You can show this printed notice to your doctor or hospital while you wait for the physical card.
How to prepare before your card arrives
About one month before you turn 65, gather the documents you will need to show your doctors and hospitals. You will need your Social Security number, which will be on your Medicare card. Write it down or take a photo of it once the card arrives.
Contact your current doctors and let them know your Medicare coverage is starting. Ask whether they accept Medicare and whether you need to update your information in their system. Some practices require you to bring your new Medicare card to your first visit after you turn 65.
If you are turning 65 and still working, or if you have coverage through your employer, tell your employer's benefits office. They need to know your Medicare start date so they can coordinate your coverage correctly. Delaying this step can create gaps or overlaps in your insurance.
Understanding your Medicare number
Your Medicare number is different from your Social Security number. It appears on your Medicare card and is used to track your claims and benefits. Starting in 2015, Medicare began issuing cards with a new format — your Medicare number is now a random 11-character code instead of your Social Security number.
You will use your Medicare number every time you see a doctor, fill a prescription, or go to the hospital. Keep your card in a safe place, but do not laminate it — the magnetic strip and security features can be damaged. If your card is lost or damaged, you can order a replacement online at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
What to do if you are not a U.S. citizen
If you are a permanent resident or have a valid visa, you may still be covered by Medicare at 65 if you have lived in the United States for at least five years. Refugees and asylees have different rules and may be covered sooner. Contact Social Security to confirm your status before your 65th birthday.
If you are not yet a permanent resident but are working and paying Medicare taxes, you should still contact Social Security to ask about your coverage options. Bring your immigration documents and proof of residence to your local Social Security office.
Timing your enrollment in other Medicare plans
Your Medicare card covers Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (doctor visits) automatically. However, you may want to enroll in Part D (prescription drug coverage) or a Medicare Advantage plan before your coverage begins. The enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, and coverage starts January 1.
If your birthday is in October, November, or December, you can enroll during the fall enrollment period before you turn 65. If your birthday is in any other month, you have a seven-month window starting the month you turn 65. During this time, you can enroll without a late penalty. After this window closes, you may face higher premiums if you wait to enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my birthday is on the first day of the month?
Your Medicare coverage still begins on the first day of that month. Your card will arrive in the middle of the month before. For example, if you turn 65 on May 1, your card arrives in mid-April, and your coverage begins May 1.
Can I use my Social Security card instead of my Medicare card?
No. Doctors and hospitals need your Medicare number, not your Social Security number. However, if your card has not arrived, you can give them your Social Security number and date of birth, and they can look up your Medicare information in their system.
Do I need to do anything to set up my Medicare card?
No. Your Medicare coverage is automatic. You do not need to call anyone or sign anything. Your card is ready to use the day it arrives, and your coverage begins on the first of the month you turn 65.
What if I move before my card arrives?
Contact Social Security with your new address before your birthday if possible. If your card is mailed to your old address, the post office may forward it, but it could be delayed. You can also order a replacement card online at Medicare.gov once you have moved.
Can I get my Medicare card early if I am turning 65 soon?
No. Social Security mails cards on a fixed schedule three weeks before your birthday. You cannot request an early card. However, you can print a temporary proof of coverage from Medicare.gov if you need documentation before your physical card arrives.