How to Get a Replacement Medicare Card

How to Request a New Medicare Card

You can request a replacement Medicare card through Medicare.gov, by phone, or by mail. The fastest method is online at Medicare.gov — you can start the request in minutes and the card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and a representative will mail one to you, which takes about two weeks.

You do not need to provide a reason for the replacement. Medicare sends new cards routinely when yours is damaged, lost, or stolen, and also when you change your name or address. The card itself is free — there is no charge to request it.

Key Takeaways

The online method at Medicare.gov is fastest, delivering your card in 7 to 10 business days without a phone call.
You can call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a card by phone, though the mail delivery takes about two weeks.
Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address ready before you start the request.
If your card was stolen, report it to Medicare and ask them to flag your account, though this step is optional.
You can use your Medicare number from an old statement or insurance document while you wait for the new card to arrive.

Requesting Your Card Online at Medicare.gov

Go to Medicare.gov and select "Get a replacement Medicare card" from the main menu. You will be asked to sign in with your Medicare.gov account. If you do not have one, you can create it on the same page using your email address and a password you choose.

After you sign in, the form asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, and the mailing address where you want the card sent. Review the address carefully — this is where Medicare will mail the card. If you have moved recently, update your address before submitting. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation number on the screen; write it down or take a screenshot. The card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

If you run into trouble signing in or creating an account, call 1-800-MEDICARE and a representative can walk you through it or process the request over the phone instead.

Requesting Your Card by Phone

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and tell the representative you need a replacement card. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address ready. The representative will confirm your identity by asking a few security questions, then submit the request on your behalf.

The representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down — you can use it to check the status of your request online at Medicare.gov if you want to track when it arrives. The card will be mailed to the address you provide and should arrive in about two weeks.

Medicare's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. If you call outside these hours, you can leave a message and a representative will call you back, though this adds a few days to the process.

Requesting Your Card by Mail

If you prefer not to use the phone or internet, you can mail a request to Medicare. Fill out Form CMS-10-L (process for a Social Security Card) or write a letter that includes your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and the mailing address where you want the card sent. Sign and date the letter.

Mail it to the address on the back of your current Medicare card, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask for the correct mailing address for your state. This method takes the longest — typically three to four weeks from the time Medicare receives your letter.

What to Do If Your Card Was Stolen

If your Medicare card was stolen, you can request a replacement through any of the methods above. You do not have to report it to Medicare as a stolen card — the replacement process is the same. However, if you are concerned about fraud, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask them to flag your account, which adds a note that your card was lost or stolen.

While you wait for the new card, you can still use your Medicare benefits. Bring your old insurance documents, a photo ID, and your Social Security number to any doctor's office or hospital. If you do not have your old documents, call your Medicare plan (the insurance company name is on any recent statement or bill) and ask them to provide your Medicare number over the phone.

Using Your Medicare Number While You Wait

Your Medicare number does not change when you request a new card. If you need to see a doctor or fill a prescription before the card arrives, you can give the doctor or pharmacy your Medicare number from an old statement, bill, or insurance document. You can also call your Medicare plan and ask them to read your number to you.

Hospitals and doctors' offices have your Medicare information in their systems, so they can look you up by your name and date of birth even if you do not have the card with you. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security number to make the process faster.

Tracking Your Replacement Card

If you requested your card online or by phone, you received a confirmation number. Go to Medicare.gov, sign in to your account, and select "Check the status of your replacement card" to see where it is in the mail. The status page tells you whether the card has been mailed, is in transit, or has been delivered.

If you requested your card by mail and did not receive a confirmation number, call 1-800-MEDICARE with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, and a representative can look up the status for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online requests take 7 to 10 business days. Phone requests take about two weeks. Mail requests take three to four weeks. These timelines start after Medicare receives your request, not from the date you submit it.

Can I get a replacement card if my name changed?

Yes. Update your name with Medicare first by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or visiting Medicare.gov, then request a new card. The new card will have your updated name on it. Bring a copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) when you update your name.

What if my card arrives damaged or with errors on it?

If the card is damaged when it arrives, request another one using the same method. If the card has errors — your name is misspelled, your date of birth is wrong, or your Medicare number is incorrect — call 1-800-MEDICARE when ready. Do not use a card with errors; a representative will correct your information and send a new card.

Do I need to return my old card when I get a new one?

No. You can destroy your old card by cutting it up or shredding it. You do not need to mail it back to Medicare. If your old card is still usable, you can keep it as a backup.

Can someone else request a card on my behalf?

If you are unable to make the request yourself, a family member or caregiver can call 1-800-MEDICARE on your behalf. They will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. They cannot request it online — the online system requires you to sign in with your own Medicare.gov account.

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.