You get your Medicare card automatically when you turn 65, or you can request one before that if you may have access to

Most people receive their Medicare card in the mail about three months before they turn 65. You do not have to do anything — Social Security sends it automatically if you are already getting Social Security benefits. If you are not yet receiving benefits, you will need to sign up for Medicare during your enrollment window to get a card.

If you are under 65 and have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant, or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), you may be able to get Medicare before 65. People who have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months also become may be able to access for Medicare.

Your card arrives by regular mail. If yours does not show up, or if you need a replacement, you can request one through Social Security or Medicare directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security mails your Medicare card automatically about three months before your 65th birthday if you are already receiving Social Security benefits.
  • If you are not yet receiving Social Security, you must sign up for Medicare during your enrollment window to receive a card.
  • You can request a replacement card online through Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • Your card arrives by regular mail within 7 to 10 business days of your request, or sooner if you choose expedited delivery.
  • You do not need your physical card to start using Medicare benefits — your coverage begins on the date your enrollment is processed.

What happens if you are already receiving Social Security

If you are already collecting Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits when you turn 65, Social Security will mail your Medicare card automatically. The card typically arrives about three months before your birthday. You will receive it at the address Social Security has on file for you.

Check your mail carefully during the months leading up to your 65th birthday. If the card does not arrive within a week of your birthday, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm they have your correct mailing address.

What to do if you are not yet receiving Social Security

If you are turning 65 but have not started collecting Social Security benefits, you will not automatically receive a Medicare card. You must sign up for Medicare yourself during your enrollment window. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) runs for seven months: three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months after.

You can sign up for Medicare online at Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or by visiting your local Social Security office. When you sign up, Social Security will process your enrollment and mail your card within 7 to 10 business days.

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you can still sign up during the General Enrollment Period, which runs January 1 through March 31 each year. However, you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums if you delay, so it is important to enroll as soon as you can.

How to request a replacement card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through three methods. The fastest way is online at Medicare.gov — go to "Manage Your Health" and select "Order a replacement Medicare card." You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and speak with a representative, or visit your local Social Security office in person.

When you request a replacement, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You can choose standard delivery (7 to 10 business days) or expedited delivery (3 to 5 business days). Expedited delivery may have a small fee depending on your state.

If you need to use Medicare before your replacement card arrives, you can use your Medicare number instead. Your number appears in your online Medicare account, and you can give it to your doctor or hospital right away.

Understanding your Medicare card and what it shows

Your Medicare card displays your name, Medicare number, the date your coverage began, and which parts of Medicare you have (Part A, Part B, Part D, or a combination). The front of the card shows your name and Medicare number. The back lists your effective dates and coverage types.

Your Medicare number is unique to you and stays the same for life. Starting in 2024, new Medicare cards use a random number instead of your Social Security number, which adds a layer of privacy protection. If you received your card before 2024, it may still show your Social Security number, but you can request a new card with a random number if you prefer.

What to do if you may have access to before age 65

If you have ESRD and need dialysis or a kidney transplant, you become may be able to access for Medicare when ready, regardless of age. You will need to provide medical documentation of your condition. Your dialysis center or transplant team can help you start the enrollment process.

If you have ALS, you become may be able to access for Medicare two months after your ALS diagnosis is confirmed. Your doctor will need to submit the diagnosis to Social Security. Once Social Security receives it, they will contact you about enrollment.

If you have been receiving SSDI for 24 months, you automatically become may be able to access for Medicare at that point. Social Security will mail your card without you having to do anything.

Protecting your Medicare card and number

Your Medicare card and number are sensitive information. Do not share your Medicare number with anyone except your doctor, hospital, pharmacy, or other healthcare provider. Scammers sometimes call claiming to be from Medicare and ask for your number — Medicare will never call you unsolicited.

Keep your physical card in a safe place, just as you would a credit card. If you suspect your Medicare number has been compromised, call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it and request a new number if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Medicare before my card arrives?

Yes. Your coverage begins on the date your enrollment is processed, not when your card arrives. You can give your Medicare number to your doctor or hospital when ready. You can find your number in your online Medicare account at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

What if my address changed after I signed up for Medicare?

Contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to update your address. If your card was already mailed to your old address, you can request a replacement card to be sent to your new address.

Do I need to do anything special to get a Medicare card if I am still working at 65?

No. You can sign up for Medicare at 65 even if you are still working and have employer health insurance. You may want to delay Part B if your employer plan is large-group coverage, but you should still enroll in Part A to avoid penalties later.

How long does it take to get a Medicare card after I sign up?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you choose expedited delivery, your card may arrive in 3 to 5 business days, though this may involve a fee depending on your state. You do not need to wait for the card to start using your benefits.

What if I never received my Medicare card and my birthday was months ago?

Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit your local Social Security office to report it. They can confirm whether your enrollment went through and send you a replacement card. If your enrollment was never processed, they can help you sign up now, though you may face a late-enrollment penalty depending on how long ago you turned 65.