How Medicare sends you a card automatically

You do not have to do anything to get a Medicare card. Social Security sends it to you automatically about three months before your 65th birthday. The card arrives by mail at the address Social Security has on file for you. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, your card will go to the same address where you get your benefit statements.

The card shows your name, sex, date of birth, and a Medicare number. On the back is a group number and claim number. You will need this card to show doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies that you have Medicare coverage.

If you do not receive your card by the time you turn 65, or if it arrives damaged, you can request a replacement. You have options for how to do this depending on whether you are already working with Social Security.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security mails your Medicare card automatically about three months before you turn 65, so you do not need to request one.
  • The card goes to the address Social Security has on file, which is usually where your benefit statements are mailed.
  • If your card does not arrive by age 65, you can request a replacement by phone, mail, or online through Social Security.
  • You can start Medicare coverage on the first day of the month you turn 65, even if your card has not arrived yet.
  • Keep your Medicare number private and do not carry your card in your wallet if you do not need it that day, since it contains sensitive information.

What to do if your card does not arrive on time

If your 65th birthday is approaching and you have not received your card, contact Social Security directly. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number ready when you call.

You can also request a replacement card online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account. Create an account with your email address and Social Security number, then go to "Replacement Documents" and select Medicare card. You will receive the card by mail within 5 to 7 business days.

If you prefer to request a card by mail, fill out Form SSA-131 and mail it to your local Social Security office. You can find the address at ssa.gov/locator. Include a copy of your birth certificate, passport, or driver's license with the form.

Starting Medicare coverage before your card arrives

You do not have to wait for your physical card to start using Medicare. Your coverage begins on the first day of the month you turn 65. When you go to a doctor or hospital, tell them your Medicare number (which is on the letter Social Security sends with your card, even if the card itself has not arrived yet).

Providers can look up your coverage using your Social Security number and date of birth if you do not have your Medicare number yet. However, it is easier for them if you have the number ready. If Social Security sent you a letter about your Medicare coverage, that letter contains your Medicare number — bring it with you to your appointments.

Understanding your Medicare card and number

Your Medicare number is unique to you and stays the same for life. It is different from your Social Security number, even though Social Security issues both. The number on your card has 11 characters: usually 9 digits followed by two letters.

Starting in 2024, Medicare began issuing cards with a new format that does not include your Social Security number. If you received your card before 2024, it may show your Social Security number on it. The old cards are still valid, but you should keep them in a safe place at home rather than carrying them in your wallet. If your card is lost or stolen, call Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213.

If you are not yet a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

You may still be able to get Medicare at 65 if you have worked in the United States long enough to earn credits toward Social Security. You do not have to be a citizen, but you must have a valid Social Security number and meet the work requirements.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you can get Medicare the same way as a citizen. If you are in the United States on a visa or other temporary status, contact Social Security to find out whether you meet the requirements. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to speak with someone who handles Medicare for non-citizens.

Protecting your Medicare number and card

Your Medicare number is sensitive information, similar to your Social Security number. Do not share it with anyone except your doctor, hospital, pharmacy, or insurance company. Scammers sometimes call pretending to be from Medicare and ask for your number — Medicare will never call you first to ask for this information.

Do not carry your Medicare card in your wallet every day. Leave it at home in a safe place and bring it only when you have a doctor's appointment or need to fill a prescription. If someone asks for your Medicare number and you are not sure whether they should have it, ask them why they need it and how they will protect it.

What happens if you miss the important date to sign up for Medicare

Your Medicare coverage starts automatically on the first day of the month you turn 65, even if you do not sign up for anything. However, if you have other health insurance through an employer or union, you may want to tell Medicare about it so they coordinate coverage correctly.

If you delay signing up for certain parts of Medicare (like Part B, which covers doctor visits), you may face a penalty when you do sign up later. The penalty is a percentage added to your monthly premium for as long as you have Medicare. Talk to Social Security or Medicare before your 65th birthday if you think you might delay coverage, because there are exceptions for people still working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Medicare card before I turn 65?

No. Social Security mails your card about three months before your 65th birthday, so it usually arrives when you are still 64. Your coverage does not start until the first day of the month you turn 65. If your card arrives early, that is fine — just keep it safe until you need it.

What if I moved and Social Security does not have my new address?

Update your address with Social Security as soon as possible. Go to ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office in person. If you have already turned 65 and your card was mailed to an old address, request a replacement card and make sure your new address is in the system first.

Do I need to do anything to set up my Medicare card?

No. Your card is ready to use as soon as you receive it. There is no set up step. You can show it to your doctor or pharmacy the first time you need it. If you have questions about what your coverage includes, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

What if my name changed since I applied for Social Security?

Your Medicare card will show the name Social Security has on file. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal change, update it with Social Security first. Then request a new Medicare card with your current name. Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Can someone else pick up my Medicare card for me?

Medicare cards are mailed directly to you and cannot be picked up by someone else. If you are concerned your mail is not find, you can request the card be mailed to a different address or set up a my Social Security account to track when it is sent. If you need help managing your mail, talk to Social Security about your options.