You get a Medicare card by contacting Social Security, not Medicare itself

When you turn 65, Social Security automatically enrolls you in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has lived in the country for at least five years. Social Security then mails your Medicare card to your home address about two weeks before your coverage starts. You do not need to request it — the card arrives on its own schedule.

If you do not receive your card within three weeks of your 65th birthday, or if your card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through Social Security or Medicare directly. The process is straightforward, but the timing matters because you need the card number to use your coverage.

If you are not yet 65 but have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or if you have end-stage renal disease or ALS, you become may be able to access for Medicare earlier. The same automatic enrollment applies — Social Security handles it, and your card arrives by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security automatically enrolls you in Medicare at 65 and mails your card to your home address about two weeks before coverage begins.
  • You can check the status of your card online through your Social Security account or by calling Social Security directly.
  • If your card does not arrive within three weeks of your birthday, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement.
  • Your Medicare card shows your name, Medicare number, and which parts of Medicare you have (Part A, Part B, or both).
  • You can use your card when ready once you receive it, even if your coverage does not start until the following month.

What happens automatically when you turn 65

Social Security tracks your age and citizenship status. When you turn 65, the agency reviews your record and enrolls you in Part A and Part B unless you have already delayed Part B enrollment. This happens without you filing any paperwork or making any phone calls.

Social Security then generates your Medicare card and mails it to the address on file with them. The card typically arrives 7 to 14 days before your coverage start date, which is usually the first day of the month in which you turn 65. Your coverage begins automatically on that date.

If your address has changed recently, update it with Social Security before your birthday. You can do this online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Updating your address ensures your card reaches you on time.

How to check on your card if it has not arrived

If three weeks have passed since your 65th birthday and you have not received your card, log into your Social Security account at ssa.gov. Under "My Medicare" or "Retirement," you can see your Medicare number and the status of your card. The online account shows whether the card has been mailed and when it was sent.

If you do not have a Social Security online account, you can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount. 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 without calling.

If the account shows your card was mailed but you still have not received it after five business days, the card may have been lost in the mail. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card, which will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Requesting a replacement card by phone or in person

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing). Have your Social Security number ready. Tell the representative that your Medicare card has not arrived or is damaged. They will verify your identity by asking questions about your personal history and then request a replacement.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The office staff can print a temporary Medicare number on the spot and mail your card within one to two weeks.

Social Security offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours vary by location. Many offices now require you to make an appointment in advance. Call ahead or check the office's page on ssa.gov to confirm hours and whether an appointment is needed.

What to do if you delayed Part B enrollment

If you turned 65 but chose not to enroll in Part B at that time, your initial Medicare card will show only Part A. You can enroll in Part B later during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 through March 31 each year), and your coverage will start on July 1 of that year.

When you enroll in Part B after your initial enrollment period, Social Security will mail you an updated card showing both Part A and Part B. This updated card arrives within two to three weeks of your enrollment. Until then, you can use your Part A card for hospital services.

If you delayed Part B because you were still working and had health insurance through your employer, you may not owe a late enrollment penalty when you do enroll. Bring documentation of your employer coverage to Social Security when you enroll, and they can review whether the penalty applies.

Understanding what your Medicare card shows

Your Medicare card displays your name, date of birth, Medicare number, and the date your coverage began. The card also shows which parts of Medicare you have: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), or both. Some cards also show Part D (prescription drug coverage) if you enrolled in a plan.

Your Medicare number is a unique identifier that doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies use to bill your coverage. Keep your card in a safe place and bring it to every medical appointment. You may also need to provide the number over the phone when scheduling appointments or refilling prescriptions.

Your card does not show your monthly premium amount, your deductible, or which specific insurance plan you are in (if you chose a Medicare Advantage plan). Those details are in your plan documents, which arrive separately in the mail.

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

If you are a noncitizen, you may still be may be able to access for Medicare at 65 if you have been a permanent resident for at least five years. Permanent residents should have a green card or other immigration document showing their status. Social Security will verify your immigration status when you explore for benefits.

If you are not a permanent resident but have worked in the United States and paid Medicare taxes, you may be may be able to access for limited Medicare coverage. Contact Social Security to discuss your specific situation. You will need to provide proof of your work history and immigration status.

If you are ineligible for Medicare, you may be able to purchase a private health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov, or you may may have access to for Medicaid depending on your state and income. A Social Security representative can explain your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Medicare coverage before my card arrives?

Yes. Your coverage begins on the date shown in your Social Security account, even if your physical card has not arrived yet. When you go to a doctor or hospital, give them your Medicare number (which you can find in your Social Security online account or by calling 1-800-772-1213). Providers can look up your coverage using that number.

What if my name or date of birth is wrong on my Medicare card?

Contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Bring a photo ID and a birth certificate or other document proving the correct information. Social Security will correct your record and mail you a new card within one to two weeks. Do not use a card with incorrect information, as it may cause billing problems.

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

No. Your Medicare card is active as soon as it arrives. You do not need to call anyone or register it. You can use it when ready at any doctor, hospital, or pharmacy that accepts Medicare.

What if I am still working at 65 and do not want Medicare yet?

You can delay Part B enrollment if you have health insurance through your current employer. You must enroll in Part A (hospital insurance) at 65, but you can postpone Part B without penalty if your employer plan is active. When you leave your job or lose that coverage, you have eight months to enroll in Part B without a late penalty. Contact Social Security to discuss your work situation before your 65th birthday.

How do I get a replacement card if mine is damaged or stolen?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Tell them your card is damaged or lost. They will verify your identity and mail a replacement within 7 to 10 business days. You can also request a replacement through your Social Security online account if you have one set up.