How to get a Medicare number
You receive a Medicare number automatically when you turn 65, if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has lived in the country for at least five years. Social Security sends the number to your home address about three months before your 65th birthday. The number arrives on a card that shows your name, the number itself, and which parts of Medicare you are enrolled in.
If you do not receive your card by the time you turn 65, or if you need a replacement, you can request one through Social Security. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), visit your local Social Security office in person, or go online to ssa.gov to create an account and request a replacement card. The process takes about two weeks by mail.
If you are not yet 65 but have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or if you have end-stage renal disease or ALS, you may be enrolled in Medicare earlier. You will receive your Medicare number the same way — by mail from Social Security — once you become may be able to access.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security mails your Medicare card to your home address about three months before you turn 65, and the card contains your Medicare number.
- Your Medicare number is a 11-character code that identifies you in the Medicare system and appears on all your bills and insurance documents.
- If your card does not arrive or is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement by phone, in person at a Social Security office, or online at ssa.gov.
- You do not need to do anything to receive your Medicare number if you are already receiving Social Security benefits — enrollment happens automatically.
What your Medicare number looks like and where to find it
Your Medicare number is an 11-character code printed on your Medicare card. It consists of your Social Security number (nine digits) followed by two letters. The first letter indicates your relationship to the person who originally claimed Social Security benefits — for example, if you claimed on your own work record, your letter will be different from someone who claimed as a spouse. The second letter is a check digit that helps the system verify the number is correct.
The Medicare card itself is a physical card about the size of a credit card. On the front, you will see your name, your Medicare number, the date your coverage began, and which parts of Medicare you have (Part A, Part B, Part D, or a combination). The back of the card lists the customer service phone number for Medicare and provides space for your group health plan information if you have supplemental coverage.
You should keep your Medicare card in a safe place, like your wallet or a file at home. You will need to show it or provide the number whenever you see a doctor, fill a prescription, or contact Medicare with a question about your coverage.
What happens if you lose or damage your Medicare card
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement without paying a fee. The fastest way is to request one online through your Social Security account at ssa.gov. You will need to log in or create an account, then look for the option to request a replacement Medicare card. The card will be mailed to you within two weeks.
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a representative who will mail you a new card. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person with a photo ID and proof of your address. Bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement as proof of address.
While you wait for your replacement card, you can still use Medicare. If a doctor's office or pharmacy needs your number, you can provide it verbally or write it down — you do not have to have the physical card in hand to receive care or fill prescriptions.
Understanding the information on your Medicare card
Your Medicare card shows several pieces of information that tell you and your healthcare providers what coverage you have. The card lists whether you have Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part D (prescription drug coverage), or some combination of these. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) instead of Original Medicare, your card may look different and may be issued by your insurance company rather than Social Security.
The date your coverage began is also printed on the card. For most people, this is the first day of the month in which they turn 65. If you enrolled late in Part B or Part D, your coverage start date may be later. This date matters because it affects when you can make certain changes to your coverage and whether you owe a penalty for late enrollment.
Some Medicare cards also include information about group health plans — for example, if you or your spouse still works and have employer coverage. This section helps your healthcare providers understand what insurance to bill first.
When you need your Medicare number
You will need your Medicare number whenever you interact with the healthcare system. Doctors' offices, hospitals, and urgent care clinics will ask for it when you check in. Pharmacies will ask for it when you fill a prescription, especially if you have Part D prescription drug coverage. If you call Medicare with a question about your coverage or bills, the representative will ask for your number to pull up your account.
You may also need your Medicare number when you contact your supplemental insurance company (if you have one), when you appeal a claim that was denied, or when you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Keep your number handy when you are dealing with any healthcare-related paperwork or phone calls.
If you are helping a family member manage their Medicare, ask them for their Medicare number so you can contact Medicare on their behalf or help them understand their bills. Medicare will not discuss an account with anyone but the beneficiary unless that person has power of attorney or is listed as an authorized representative.
What to do if your information on the Medicare card is wrong
If your name, date of birth, or address is printed incorrectly on your Medicare card, contact Social Security to correct it. Call 1-800-772-1213, visit your local Social Security office, or go to ssa.gov to update your information. Social Security maintains the records that Medicare uses, so any corrections must be made through Social Security first.
Correcting your name or date of birth usually requires proof of identity and proof of the correct information — for example, a birth certificate or marriage certificate if you changed your name. The process typically takes a few weeks. Once Social Security updates your record, Medicare will automatically receive the correction, and you will receive a new card in the mail with the correct information.
If your address has changed, update it with Social Security as soon as possible. This ensures that any future Medicare cards, notices, or bills are sent to the right place. You can update your address online through your Social Security account, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my Medicare number before I turn 65?
Social Security mails your Medicare card about three months before your 65th birthday, so you will have it before you need it. If you become may be able to access for Medicare before age 65 due to disability or end-stage renal disease, you will receive your number once you meet the may be able to access requirements. You cannot request it early.
What if I never received my Medicare card in the mail?
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report that you did not receive your card. They will verify your address and mail a replacement. If your address has changed since you turned 65, update it first so the new card goes to the correct location. The replacement usually arrives within two weeks.
Can someone else use my Medicare number?
No. Your Medicare number is unique to you and should never be shared with anyone except healthcare providers and Medicare representatives. Do not give your number to people who call you unsolicited or to websites you do not recognize. Medicare will never call you asking for your number unless you initiated the contact.
Do I need my Medicare number to sign up for Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan?
Yes. When you enroll in Part D prescription drug coverage or a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to provide your Medicare number. You can enroll online, by phone, or through an insurance agent. Have your card handy when you start the process.
What should I do if my Medicare card is stolen?
Request a replacement when ready by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting ssa.gov. You do not need to report it to Medicare separately. Watch your Medicare statements and bills for any charges you did not authorize, and contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE if you see suspicious activity.