How to get a replacement Medicare card
You can get a replacement Medicare card three ways: online through your Medicare account, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest — you can request a card and it arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, calling Medicare takes about the same time. Mail requests are slower but work if you have no other option.
You will need your Social Security number and date of birth to request a card any way you choose. If you are requesting a card for someone else — a spouse or family member — you will need their Social Security number and date of birth instead, plus proof you are authorized to act on their behalf.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to get a replacement card is through your online Medicare account at Medicare.gov, which takes 7 to 10 business days.
- You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to request a card by phone, and it will arrive in the same timeframe.
- Your replacement card will have a new Medicare number if you requested it after April 2018, because Medicare stopped using Social Security numbers on cards that year.
- If your card was lost, stolen, or damaged, request a replacement right away — you can still see your Medicare number in your online account while you wait for the physical card.
Requesting online through Medicare.gov
Go to Medicare.gov and sign in to your account. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address and a password. You will need to verify your identity — Medicare will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and either a phone number or email address on file.
Once you are signed in, look for the option to order a replacement card. It is usually under "My Health Information" or a similar section. Select the reason your card needs to be replaced — lost, stolen, or damaged — and confirm your mailing address. Medicare will send the card to the address on file with Social Security, so if you have moved recently, update your address with Social Security first.
After you submit your request, you will see a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that window, use your confirmation number to check the status by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Requesting by phone
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and tell the representative you need a replacement card. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions — they may ask about past addresses, family members, or accounts you have opened.
Tell the representative the reason you need a replacement: lost, stolen, or damaged. Confirm the mailing address where you want the card sent. If you have moved, the representative can update your address with Medicare during the call, but the card will still go to the address Social Security has on file unless you update it there separately.
The representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down. Your card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Medicare's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Requesting by mail
Fill out Form CMS-40B, which you can read from Medicare.gov or request by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. The form asks for your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form — it varies by state. Include a copy of one piece of identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Do not send the original. Mail requests take 3 to 4 weeks to process, plus mail delivery time, so this method is slower than phone or online.
What to do while you wait for your card
You do not need the physical card to use your Medicare coverage. Your Medicare number is in your online account at Medicare.gov, and you can show that number to your doctor or hospital while the replacement card is on the way. Print it out or take a screenshot on your phone.
If you need to see your Medicare number right away and cannot wait for the card, sign in to your Medicare account and look for "My Health Information." Your Medicare number will be displayed there. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and a representative will read your number to you over the phone.
Understanding your new Medicare number
If you requested your replacement card after April 2018, your new card will have a different Medicare number than your old one. Medicare stopped using Social Security numbers on cards in 2018 and switched to random 11-character numbers. This change was made to protect your Social Security number from theft.
Your old Medicare number will no longer work after your new card arrives. Update your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies with your new number so their records are correct. You can do this by phone, in person at your next appointment, or through their patient portal if they have one. It usually takes a few days for the new number to show up in their system.
If your card does not arrive
If your replacement card does not arrive within 10 business days, call 1-800-MEDICARE with your confirmation number. The representative can check whether the card was mailed and where it is in the delivery process. If the card was lost in the mail, Medicare will send another one.
If you moved after you requested the card, it may have been sent to your old address. Check with neighbors or the current resident, or contact your local post office to see if they can forward it. If the card cannot be found, request another replacement and make sure your current address is updated with Social Security before you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my Medicare card to see a doctor?
No. Your doctor's office needs your Medicare number, but you can provide it verbally or show it on your phone. The physical card is not required. If you have lost your card, call 1-800-MEDICARE to get your number read to you, or sign in to Medicare.gov to see it in your account.
How much does a replacement card cost?
There is no charge for a replacement Medicare card. Medicare sends them free. If someone offers to charge you for a replacement card, that is a scam — hang up and report it to 1-800-MEDICARE.
Can I get a replacement card if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you are enrolled in Medicare. You will need a valid form of identification and your Medicare number. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a replacement, as the online process may not work for all non-citizens.
What if my name has changed since I enrolled in Medicare?
Update your name with Social Security first, then request a replacement Medicare card. Your new card will reflect the name change. Call 1-800-MEDICARE if you need help, or visit your local Social Security office to update your name in their system.
Can I request a card for someone else?
Yes, if you are authorized to manage their Medicare account — usually a spouse, adult child, or legal representative. You will need their Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of authorization. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to explain your situation and ask what documents they need.