How to Get Your Medicare Card
You receive your Medicare card automatically when you turn 65, if you are already getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. If you are not yet receiving benefits, you need to contact Social Security to start the process. Medicare will mail your card to the address on file with Social Security within two weeks of your benefits starting. If you are under 65 and have End-Stage Renal Disease, ALS, or have been on Social Security Disability for 24 months, you also get a card automatically — Social Security handles this without you having to ask.
If your card never arrives, is lost, or is damaged, you can request a replacement through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person at a local office. There is no cost for a Medicare card, and you do not need to pay anyone to help you get one.
Key Takeaways
- Your Medicare card arrives automatically by mail when you turn 65 and are receiving Social Security benefits, usually within two weeks.
- If you are not yet on Social Security, you must contact Social Security first to start your benefits before Medicare will send a card.
- You can request a replacement card for free through Social Security's website, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office.
- Your Medicare card shows your name, Medicare number, and the dates your coverage began — keep it with you when you see doctors or go to the hospital.
When Your Card Arrives Automatically
Social Security mails your Medicare card to you without you having to do anything if you meet one of these conditions: you are turning 65 and already receive Social Security retirement or survivor benefits, you are turning 65 and already receive Railroad Retirement Board benefits, or you have been on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months. The card typically arrives within 14 days of your benefits starting.
If you are turning 65 but have not yet started Social Security benefits, your Medicare card will not arrive until you contact Social Security and begin your benefits. You can start Social Security benefits up to four months before you turn 65, which means your card can arrive before your 65th birthday.
People under 65 with End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) also receive Medicare automatically and get a card in the mail. Social Security handles this without requiring you to take any action.
What to Do If You Have Not Received Your Card
If you turned 65 or started benefits but your card has not arrived after three weeks, contact Social Security. You can check the status of your card online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. This account also lets you see your Medicare number even before the physical card arrives — you can use this number to see doctors or fill prescriptions while you wait.
To create a my Social Security account, you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file). Once you log in, you can view your Medicare information and request a replacement card if needed.
How to Request a Replacement Card
You can request a replacement Medicare card for free through three methods: online, by phone, or in person. The online method is usually fastest. Go to ssa.gov, sign into your my Social Security account, and select the option to request a replacement card. You will need to confirm your address, and the card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Have your Social Security number ready. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.
Do not use third-party websites or services that charge fees to request your card. Social Security provides this service at no cost.
What Information Is on Your Medicare Card
Your Medicare card shows your name, your Medicare number, the date your Part A coverage began, and the date your Part B coverage began. The Medicare number is a unique identifier used by doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies to look up your coverage. Keep your card with you when you visit the doctor, go to the hospital, or fill a prescription.
Starting in 2024, new Medicare cards no longer show your Social Security number — they use a unique Medicare number instead. If you have an older card that shows your Social Security number, you can request a replacement card with the new format, though your old card will still work for medical care.
If You Are Not Yet 65 but Need Medicare Early
If you are under 65 and have been on Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months, you become may be able to access for Medicare automatically. Your card will arrive in the mail without you having to ask. If you have End-Stage Renal Disease, you can start Medicare as soon as your condition is diagnosed, regardless of age — contact Social Security to begin the process.
If you are under 65 and do not fall into these categories, you cannot get Medicare until you turn 65, with rare exceptions. Some people under 65 may be able to buy into Medicare if they have been lawfully present in the United States for at least five years, but this is uncommon and requires contacting Social Security directly to explore.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until you turn 65 to contact Social Security if you want your benefits to start right away. You can explore up to four months before your 65th birthday, which means your card can arrive before you turn 65. If you wait until after your birthday, your benefits and card will be delayed.
Do not assume your card has been lost if it has not arrived within two weeks — mail can take longer depending on where you live. Check your my Social Security account first to see your Medicare number and coverage dates. Do not pay anyone to request a replacement card or to help you get Medicare — this service is always free through Social Security.
Do not ignore mail from Social Security that looks like it might be about your Medicare card. Some people throw away official notices thinking they are spam. If you are unsure whether a letter is real, call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Medicare number before my physical card arrives?
Yes. Once your benefits start, you can log into your my Social Security account and view your Medicare number when ready. You can give this number to your doctor or pharmacy while you wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail.
What if I moved and Social Security does not have my current address?
Update your address with Social Security as soon as possible. You can do this online through your my Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local office. If your card was already mailed to an old address, you can request a replacement to be sent to your new address.
Do I need to do anything to set up my Medicare card once it arrives?
No. Your Medicare card is ready to use as soon as it arrives. You do not need to call anyone or take any action to set up it. straightforward keep it with you when you see doctors or go to the hospital.
What if my name has changed since I started Social Security?
Contact Social Security to update your name on your account. You will need to provide proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Once your name is updated, you can request a new Medicare card with the correct name.
Can someone else pick up my Medicare card for me?
Medicare cards are mailed directly to your address on file with Social Security. If you need someone else to receive mail on your behalf, you can set up a representative payee or power of attorney through Social Security, though this is usually for benefits management rather than mail delivery.