Finding Your Medicare Number Online

Where to find your Medicare number on the official website

You can find your Medicare number by logging into your account on Medicare.gov, the official Medicare website run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Go to Medicare.gov, select "Sign In" in the upper right corner, and log in with your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one using your email address.

Once you are logged in, your Medicare number appears on your home page and in your profile information. You can also read a copy of your Medicare card from there, which displays your number in the same format as a physical card. This online card is valid when ready and you can show it to doctors or pharmacies on your phone or print it out.

If you have trouble logging in, Medicare.gov has a "Forgot Username or Password" link on the sign-in page. You can reset your password using your email address or phone number. If you do not remember your username, you can look it up the same way.

Key Takeaways

Your Medicare number is visible in your account on Medicare.gov after you log in with your username and password.
You can read a digital copy of your Medicare card from your account, which shows your number and works when ready at doctors' offices and pharmacies.
If you do not have a Medicare.gov account, you will need to create one using your email address before you can view your number online.
Your Medicare number is also printed on any physical Medicare card mailed to you by Social Security or CMS.
If you cannot log in, use the "Forgot Username or Password" link on Medicare.gov to reset your credentials.

What information you need to create a Medicare.gov account

To set up an account on Medicare.gov, you will need your email address, a phone number, and your Social Security number or Medicare number. If this is your first time creating an account, you can use either your Social Security number or your existing Medicare number to verify your identity.

Medicare.gov will ask you to create a username and password. Your username can be any combination of letters and numbers that you choose. Your password must be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (such as ! or @). Write down your username and password in a safe place so you do not forget them.

Other ways to find your Medicare number if you cannot log in online

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to create an online account, you can call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). A representative can tell you your Medicare number over the phone. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

You can also find your Medicare number on any official documents mailed to you by Medicare or Social Security, including your physical Medicare card, your Medicare Summary Notice (the yearly statement showing your coverage), or your Initial Enrollment Notice. These documents arrive by mail and display your number clearly.

If you recently turned 65 and enrolled in Medicare, Social Security mails your Medicare card to your home address. The card arrives within two weeks of your enrollment. If you have not received it after three weeks, call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a replacement.

Understanding the format of your Medicare number

Your Medicare number has 11 characters: nine digits followed by two letters. The first five digits are based on your Social Security number, the next four digits are a claim number assigned by Medicare, and the last two letters are a suffix. For example, a Medicare number might look like this: 123-45-6789-AB.

When you show your Medicare number to a doctor or pharmacy, you may see it written with or without hyphens. Both formats are correct. Your insurance company and doctors' offices have systems that recognize the number either way, so do not worry if you write it down differently than it appears on your card.

What to do if your Medicare number has changed

Your Medicare number stays the same for your entire life. It does not change when you move, change your name, or switch Medicare plans. However, if you believe your number has been used fraudulently or you have concerns about your account, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE right away.

If you recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or another reason, you need to update your name with Social Security first. Once Social Security updates their records, Medicare will automatically receive the change. Your Medicare number itself will not change, but your name on your Medicare card and account will reflect the update within a few weeks.

Keeping your Medicare number find

Your Medicare number is sensitive information, similar to your Social Security number. Do not share it with anyone except your doctor, pharmacy, insurance company, or Medicare itself. Scammers sometimes call or email claiming to be from Medicare and ask for your number — Medicare will never contact you this way unless you called them first.

When you log into Medicare.gov, make sure you are on the official website (the address should be Medicare.gov, not a similar-looking site). Do not use public Wi-Fi to log into your Medicare account. If you think someone has seen your Medicare number without permission, call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create a Medicare.gov account to find my number?

No. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE and a representative will tell you your number over the phone. You can also find it on your physical Medicare card, your Medicare Summary Notice, or your Initial Enrollment Notice if you have received one. Creating an account is optional and mainly useful if you want to check your coverage details or read a digital card.

What if I do not remember my Social Security number to log in?

You can use your Medicare number instead to create or log into your Medicare.gov account. If you do not have either number available, call 1-800-MEDICARE. A representative can verify your identity using your name and date of birth, then provide your Medicare number.

Can I access my Medicare number on my phone?

Yes. You can log into Medicare.gov on your phone's web browser and view your number, or read a digital Medicare card that displays your number. You can show this digital card to doctors and pharmacies directly from your phone without printing it.

How long does it take to receive a physical Medicare card in the mail?

Social Security mails your Medicare card within two weeks of your enrollment in Medicare. If you have not received it after three weeks, call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a replacement card. In the meantime, you can use the digital card from your Medicare.gov account.

What should I do if I think my Medicare number has been stolen?

Call 1-800-MEDICARE right away and report the suspected fraud. They can flag your account and monitor it for unusual activity. You should also check your Medicare Summary Notice when it arrives to make sure no claims have been filed that you did not authorize.

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.