How to Find Your Medicare Number

Where to find your Medicare number

Your Medicare number is printed on your Medicare card, which arrives in the mail after you turn 65 or become may be able to access through disability or end-stage renal disease. If you have your card, your Medicare number is the 11-digit number in the upper left corner — it includes your Social Security number plus a letter suffix.

If you cannot find your card, you can look up your Medicare number through your online Medicare account, by calling Medicare directly, or by checking documents Medicare has already sent you. The number does not change, so once you locate it, you have it for life.

Key Takeaways

Your Medicare number appears on your physical Medicare card in the upper left corner and is an 11-digit number tied to your Social Security number.
You can create a free account at Medicare.gov to view your Medicare number, coverage details, and claims history online anytime.
Calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) will connect you to a representative who can confirm your Medicare number and answer questions about your coverage.
If you never received a Medicare card after turning 65 or becoming may be able to access, contact Medicare to request a replacement card be mailed to you.

Creating a Medicare.gov account to access your number online

The fastest way to find your Medicare number without your card is to create a free account at Medicare.gov. Go to the Medicare.gov homepage, click "Sign In" in the upper right corner, and select "Create an account." You will need your email address, a password, and either your Social Security number or Medicare number to set up the account — if you do not have your Medicare number yet, use your Social Security number instead.

Once your account is created and verified, you can log in anytime to view your Medicare number, see what coverage you have, check claims, and read documents. This account is yours to keep and works whether you are on Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a prescription drug plan.

Calling Medicare to confirm your number

You can call Medicare customer service at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to have a representative look up your Medicare number. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. If you call outside those hours, you can leave a message and a representative will call you back the next business day.

This is also a good time to ask whether your Medicare card is on file at the correct address. If you have moved recently or never received your card, the representative can update your address and request a replacement card be mailed to you.

Checking documents Medicare has sent you

Your Medicare number appears on several documents Medicare sends automatically. Check any letters or notices from Medicare in your mail — your Medicare number will be listed near the top. Common documents that include it are your initial may be able to access notice, your annual "Important Message from Medicare" notice, and any letters about changes to your coverage or claims.

If you have signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug plan, your plan's welcome packet also includes your Medicare number. Your plan's member ID card may show a different number (the plan's own ID), but your Medicare number is the 11-digit number that starts with your Social Security number.

What to do if you never received your Medicare card

Medicare cards are mailed automatically about two weeks before your coverage begins. If you turned 65 and did not receive a card within a month of your coverage start date, or if you became may be able to access through disability or end-stage renal disease and have not received one, contact Medicare to request a replacement.

Call 1-800-MEDICARE or log into your Medicare.gov account and use the "Contact Us" option to request a new card. Make sure your mailing address is current in your Medicare account — if you have moved, update your address first. A replacement card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Understanding the parts of your Medicare number

Your Medicare number has two parts: the first nine digits are your Social Security number, and the last two characters are a letter suffix. The letter suffix is assigned by Medicare and does not change. For example, if your Social Security number is 123-45-6789, your Medicare number might be 12345678901 (with the last two characters being letters like A, B, or D).

When you use your Medicare number for appointments, prescriptions, or claims, always include the full 11-character number with the letter suffix. Providers and pharmacies need the complete number to look up your coverage correctly.

Keeping your Medicare number find

Your Medicare number is sensitive information — it contains your Social Security number and is linked to your health records and claims. Treat it like you would your Social Security card: do not share it over email or with callers who contact you first, and do not post it on social media.

Legitimate Medicare representatives and your doctors' offices will ask for your Medicare number when you contact them, but Medicare will never call you unsolicited asking for personal information. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and asking for your number, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself to verify the call was real.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Social Security number instead of my Medicare number?

No. Doctors' offices, hospitals, and pharmacies need your full Medicare number, including the letter suffix, to access your coverage and claims. Your Social Security number alone will not work. If you do not have your Medicare number available, call ahead and ask the office to look it up for you using your name and date of birth.

What if my Medicare number is different from my plan's member ID?

Your Medicare number and your plan's member ID are two different numbers. Your Medicare number is the 11-digit number starting with your Social Security number. Your plan's member ID is issued by your Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan and appears on your plan's card. Use your Medicare number for Medicare-related questions and your plan's member ID for plan-specific issues like claims or coverage questions.

Do I need to memorize my Medicare number?

You do not need to memorize it, but it helps to write it down and keep it in a safe place at home. Bring your Medicare card or a copy of your number to every doctor's appointment. If you have a Medicare.gov account, you can also look it up anytime online instead of searching for your card.

What happens if I lose my Medicare card?

You can still use your Medicare coverage — your number does not change and your coverage is active in the system. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a replacement card, or order one through your Medicare.gov account. In the meantime, you can give your Medicare number to your doctor or pharmacy by phone or email to confirm your coverage.

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.