You can order a new Medicare card online, by phone, or by mail — and it takes about two weeks to arrive

Medicare sends you a card when you first become may be able to access, but you may need a replacement if yours is lost, damaged, or stolen. You can order a new card through Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or by mailing a form to your state's Social Security office. The fastest way is online if you have a Medicare.gov account. Most replacement cards arrive within 7 to 14 days, though timing can vary by region.

Starting in 2025, Medicare is removing Social Security numbers from new cards and replacing them with a unique Medicare number. If you order a new card now, you will receive one with this new number format. This change does not affect your coverage — it is straightforward a security update to protect your information.

Key Takeaways

  • Order online at Medicare.gov if you have an account, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a card by phone without logging in.
  • New Medicare cards no longer display your Social Security number; they use a unique Medicare number instead for privacy protection.
  • Replacement cards typically arrive within 7 to 14 days, though you should plan for up to three weeks in slower regions.
  • If your card was stolen, report it to Medicare and Social Security right away to protect against fraud.
  • You do not need to wait for your new card to use Medicare — your coverage remains active under your existing Medicare number.

Ordering online through Medicare.gov

The online method is the fastest if you already have a Medicare.gov account. Go to Medicare.gov, sign in with your username and password, and select "Order a replacement Medicare card" from your account dashboard. You will be asked to confirm your personal information and choose whether you want the card mailed to your current address on file or a different address. Submit your request, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen.

If you do not have a Medicare.gov account, you can create one using your Medicare number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The account creation process takes about 10 minutes. Once your account is set up, you can order your card when ready and track future requests from your dashboard.

After you submit your order online, Medicare will send you a confirmation email. Keep this email or your confirmation number in case you need to check on your order status later. You can also log back into your Medicare.gov account at any time to see whether your card has been mailed.

Ordering by phone

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and tell the representative you need a replacement card. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The representative will confirm the mailing address where your card should be sent and give you a confirmation number before you hang up.

Medicare's phone line is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you call during a busy time, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes before speaking to a representative.

Write down your confirmation number and keep it with your Medicare documents. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, call back with this number so Medicare can investigate the delay.

Ordering by mail

You can also request a replacement card by mailing Form CMS-1763 to your state's Social Security office. You can read this form from Medicare.gov or ask for it by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Fill out the form with your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and the address where you want the card mailed. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the Social Security office in your state.

The mailing address for your state's Social Security office is listed on the back of Form CMS-1763. Mail takes longer than phone or online ordering — expect 3 to 4 weeks for your card to arrive. This method is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to call, but it is the slowest option.

What to do if your card was stolen or lost

If your Medicare card was stolen, contact Medicare right away by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Report the theft and request a replacement card. You should also contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report that your Social Security number may be at risk. Social Security can place a fraud alert on your account and help you monitor for unauthorized use.

While you wait for your new card, your Medicare coverage does not stop. You can still see your doctors and use your benefits — your coverage is tied to your Medicare number, not the physical card. If a provider asks for proof of coverage before your new card arrives, you can show them your Medicare number from your old card, a printout from your Medicare.gov account, or a letter from Medicare confirming your coverage.

Keep an eye on your Medicare statements for any claims you did not authorize. You can view your statements online through your Medicare.gov account or request paper statements by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Report any suspicious activity to Medicare and Social Security when ready.

Understanding the new Medicare card number format

Medicare is transitioning away from using Social Security numbers on cards. If you order a new card in 2025 or later, it will display a unique Medicare number instead of your Social Security number. This number is random and does not contain your Social Security information, which reduces the risk of identity theft.

Your new Medicare number will work exactly the same way as your old one for all Medicare services. Doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies will accept it without any changes to how they process your claims. If you have an old card with your Social Security number, you can continue using it until it expires or you request a replacement — there is no important date to switch.

If you are unsure whether your card has been updated to the new format, check the number on your card. The new Medicare numbers are 11 digits long and do not match the pattern of a Social Security number (which is formatted as XXX-XX-XXXX). Your old card will show your Social Security number in that format.

Tracking your order and what to expect

After you order your card, Medicare will mail it to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 14 days for most areas, though some regions may take up to three weeks. You will not receive a tracking number, but you can check your order status through your Medicare.gov account if you ordered online.

Your new card will arrive in a plain white envelope with "Social Security Administration" printed on it. The envelope will not say "Medicare" on the outside. Open it carefully to make sure the card inside is not damaged. If your card arrives damaged or with incorrect information, call 1-800-MEDICARE to request another replacement.

Once your new card arrives, destroy your old card by cutting it into pieces or shredding it. Do not throw it away whole, as someone could find it and use your information. Keep your new card in a safe place — you do not need to carry it with you every day, but you should have it available when you see a doctor or fill a prescription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Medicare before my new card arrives?

Yes. Your Medicare coverage is active the moment you become may be able to access, and it does not depend on having the physical card in your hand. If you need to see a doctor before your card arrives, tell the office your Medicare number (from your old card or your Medicare.gov account) and they can look up your coverage. You can also print a copy of your coverage information from Medicare.gov to show providers.

What if I never received my original Medicare card?

Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to report that you never received your card. They will send you a replacement. This sometimes happens if mail is delayed or if your address changed after you became may be able to access. Medicare will confirm your current address and mail a new card to you.

How much does it cost to order a replacement card?

There is no charge to order a replacement Medicare card. Medicare covers the cost of sending you a new card. Be cautious of websites or phone numbers that charge a fee for ordering a Medicare card — these are scams. Always order directly through Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or by mailing the official form.

Can I change my address when I order a new card?

Yes. When you order online or by phone, you can provide a different mailing address than the one Medicare has on file. If you are ordering by mail, write your new address clearly on the form. Keep in mind that changing your address on your Medicare card order does not automatically update your address in your Medicare account — you may need to update it separately through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

What if my name has changed since I got my Medicare card?

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or another reason, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE before ordering a new card. They will update your name in their system first. Then you can order a replacement card with your new name on it. Bring documentation of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order) if Medicare asks for it.