You can order a replacement Medicare card online, by phone, or by mail — the fastest way is online through your Medicare account

Medicare sends you a card when you first become may be able to access, but you may need a new one if yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name has changed. You do not have to wait for an appointment or visit an office. The process takes about 30 minutes online, or you can call Medicare directly and have a card mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Your Medicare number is now unique to you for life — it no longer matches your Social Security number. This change happened in 2018, so if your card still shows your Social Security number, getting a new card also updates your number to the new format.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to order a new card is online through Medicare.gov using your login, which takes about 30 minutes and arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to request a card by phone, and a representative will mail one to you at no cost.
  • If you do not have an online account, you can create one at Medicare.gov with your email address and a password, or call to set one up over the phone.
  • Your new card will show your unique Medicare number instead of your Social Security number, even if your old card still displays the old format.

Ordering a new card online through your Medicare account

Go to Medicare.gov and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one by clicking "Create an account" and entering your email address, a password, and your Medicare number (which is on your current card or in any Medicare letter you have received).

Once you are signed in, look for the option to order a replacement card — this is usually under "Manage your health and prescription drug coverage" or a similar heading. Select the reason you need a new card (lost, stolen, damaged, or name change), review your address to make sure mail will reach you, and submit your request. You will see a confirmation number on the screen; write it down or take a screenshot.

Your new card will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before the card arrives, you can update your address online or call Medicare to have the card sent to your new location.

Ordering by phone if you do not have an online account

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. A representative will ask for your name, date of birth, and current address, and will confirm the reason you need a new card.

You do not need to provide your Social Security number over the phone — Medicare will look up your account using your name and date of birth. The representative will mail a new card to you at no cost. Ask for a confirmation number so you can track the request if needed.

What to do if your card does not arrive

If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received your card, call 1-800-MEDICARE again. Have your confirmation number ready if you ordered online. A representative can check the status of your order and, if the card was lost in the mail, request that a new one be sent.

While you wait for your replacement card, you can still use your Medicare coverage. If you need to show proof of coverage to a doctor or pharmacy, you can print a temporary proof of coverage from your Medicare.gov account, or call Medicare and ask them to provide it over the phone.

Updating your name on your Medicare card

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or another reason, you will need to update it with Social Security first, then request a new Medicare card. Go to your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to update your name in the Social Security system.

Once Social Security has processed the change (which usually takes a few weeks), you can order a new Medicare card online or by phone using the same steps described above. Your new card will reflect your updated name.

If your card was stolen or you suspect fraud

If someone may have used your Medicare number without permission, call 1-800-MEDICARE right away. A representative can review your account for unusual activity and help you monitor for fraud. You can also check your Medicare statements online through your Medicare.gov account to look for services you did not receive.

Ordering a replacement card is part of protecting yourself, but it is not the only step. Keep an eye on any bills or notices from Medicare or your providers, and report anything that looks wrong. If you see fraudulent charges, you can also file a report with the Office of Inspector General at oig.hhs.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new Medicare card?

A new card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you order it online or by phone. If you need proof of coverage before the card arrives, you can print a temporary proof from Medicare.gov or ask Medicare to email or mail one to you.

Do I have to pay for a replacement Medicare card?

No, replacement cards are free. Medicare will never charge you to order a new card, whether you order online or by phone. Be cautious of websites or services that claim to charge a fee for this process.

What if I moved and my card went to my old address?

Call 1-800-MEDICARE and give them your new address. They can update your address in the system and either remail the card to your new location or send a new one. This usually takes a few extra days but costs nothing.

Can I use my old Medicare card while I wait for the new one?

Yes, your old card is still valid for coverage until your new one arrives. You can use it at the doctor, pharmacy, or hospital. Once your new card arrives, keep the old one in a safe place or destroy it to prevent misuse.

What if I never received my original Medicare card?

Call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain that you never received your initial card. They will send you a replacement at no cost. Have your name, date of birth, and current address ready when you call.