Who Sends Your Medicare Card and When to Expect It

Social Security does not send Medicare cards — Medicare does

When you turn 65, your Medicare card comes directly from Medicare, not from Social Security. Even though Social Security handles your retirement benefits and notifies Medicare that you are turning 65, the card itself is mailed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that runs Medicare. The two programs are separate, and each one handles its own paperwork.

If you are already getting Social Security retirement benefits when you turn 65, Medicare enrollment happens automatically. You do not have to do anything — Social Security sends your information to Medicare, and Medicare mails your card to the address on file with Social Security. The card usually arrives about two weeks before your coverage starts on the first day of the month you turn 65.

If you are not yet getting Social Security when you turn 65, you will need to sign up for Medicare yourself. You can do this online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at your local Social Security office. Once you enroll, Medicare will mail your card within the same timeframe.

Key Takeaways

Medicare, not Social Security, mails your Medicare card to you.
If you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits at 65, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare and will receive your card by mail.
Your card arrives roughly two weeks before your coverage begins on the first of the month you turn 65.
If you are not yet on Social Security at 65, you must sign up for Medicare yourself through Medicare.gov, by phone, or at a Social Security office.
Keep your Medicare card in a safe place and bring it to all medical appointments.

What happens if your card does not arrive on time

If your 65th birthday is approaching and you have not received your card within two weeks of your coverage start date, contact Medicare directly. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask them to check the status. Have your Social Security number ready when you call.

While you wait for the physical card, your coverage is already active. You can give your doctor or hospital your Social Security number and date of birth, and they can look up your Medicare information in their system. You do not need the card in hand to receive covered services — the card is mainly for your records and for showing providers that you have coverage.

If your address has changed since you last updated it with Social Security, that is often why the card does not arrive. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to update your mailing address, then call Medicare to request that your card be resent to the new address.

Getting a replacement card if yours is lost or damaged

You can order a replacement Medicare card online at Medicare.gov without calling anyone. Go to the "Manage Your Health" section, sign in with your Medicare account, and select the option to order a new card. The replacement usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not have a Medicare account online, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE and request a replacement by phone. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. There is no charge for a replacement card.

Understanding the difference between Social Security and Medicare enrollment

Social Security and Medicare are two separate federal programs that happen to work together at age 65. Social Security is a retirement income program — it sends you a monthly check. Medicare is health insurance — it covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.

When you turn 65, Social Security automatically tells Medicare about you if you are already receiving retirement benefits. This automatic notification is why your Medicare card arrives without you having to do anything. But the card itself comes from Medicare's mailing system, not Social Security's.

If you delay claiming Social Security past 65, you still need to sign up for Medicare at 65 to avoid penalties. Not enrolling in Medicare when you first become may be able to access can result in a permanent increase to your premiums. You can enroll online, by phone, or at your local Social Security office.

What information is on your Medicare card

Your Medicare card shows your name, date of birth, sex, Medicare number, and the date your coverage began. The Medicare number is not the same as your Social Security number, though it is based on it. You will use this number every time you see a doctor or fill a prescription.

Keep your card in your wallet or a safe place at home. Bring it to every medical appointment, hospital visit, and pharmacy. If you lose it, order a replacement right away so you have it for your next appointment. You can also take a photo of both sides of your card on your phone in case you forget the physical card.

Changes to your Medicare card in recent years

In 2020, Medicare began mailing cards with a new design that no longer includes your Social Security number on the front. The new cards show only your Medicare number, which is a 11-character identifier unique to you. This change was made to protect your privacy and reduce identity theft risk.

If you have an older card that shows your Social Security number, it is still valid and you do not need to replace it. However, if you order a new card for any reason, you will receive the updated version without your Social Security number. Both versions work the same way at the doctor's office or pharmacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Medicare card before I turn 65?

No. Medicare coverage and your card both start on the first day of the month you turn 65. If your birthday is mid-month, your coverage still begins on the first of that month. You cannot enroll or receive a card before that date.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen — will I still get a Medicare card?

You can get Medicare at 65 if you are a permanent resident (green card holder) and have lived in the United States for at least five years. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for Medicare. If you are unsure about your status, call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about your specific situation.

Do I need my Medicare card to start coverage?

No. Your coverage begins on the first of the month you turn 65, whether or not you have received the physical card. Doctors and hospitals can look up your information using your Social Security number and date of birth. The card is helpful to have but not required to receive care.

Can I choose which address my Medicare card is mailed to?

Your Medicare card is mailed to the address on file with Social Security. If you want it sent somewhere else, update your address with Social Security first at 1-800-772-1213, then contact Medicare to request the card be resent.

What should I do if someone else opens my Medicare card in the mail?

If your card has been opened or handled by someone else, you can order a replacement for free through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. There is no security risk from someone seeing your Medicare number — it is not like a Social Security number or credit card number. But if you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.