You can request a replacement Medicare card by phone, mail, or online through your My Medicare account

Medicare sends you a card when you first turn 65 or become may be able to access through disability or end-stage renal disease. If yours is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can get a new one without paying a fee. The fastest way is usually online if you have a My Medicare account set up. If you do not use the internet or prefer to talk to someone, calling Medicare directly works just as well — it takes about the same amount of time either way.

You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in unless you want to. Most people have their new card within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. Your current Medicare coverage does not stop while you wait — your Social Security number and date of birth are what Medicare uses to identify you, not the physical card.

Key Takeaways

  • Request a new card online through My Medicare, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or by mail to your local Social Security office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address to request a replacement card.
  • A new card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days, and your coverage continues while you wait.
  • If your card was stolen, you can report it to Medicare at the same time you request a replacement.
  • Temporary proof of Medicare coverage is available online or by phone if you need it before your new card arrives.

Request a new card online through My Medicare

If you have a My Medicare account, this is the quickest route. Go to www.MyMedicare.gov, sign in with your username and password, and look for the option to order a replacement card. The system will confirm your mailing address and send the card to you automatically. You do not have to answer questions or wait on hold.

If you do not have a My Medicare account yet, you can create one at the same website. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. Once your account is set up, you can order your card right away. Creating an account takes about 10 minutes the first time.

Call Medicare to request a replacement card

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). A representative will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. They will confirm which address Medicare has on file and send your new card there. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Medicare's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. If you call on a weekend or holiday, you can leave a message and someone will call you back the next business day. If English is not your first language, you can ask for an interpreter at no cost.

Mail a request to your local Social Security office

You can also request a new Medicare card by mail. Write a letter that includes your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. State that you need a replacement Medicare card and explain why (lost, damaged, or stolen). Sign and date the letter.

Mail your letter to your local Social Security office. You can find the address by visiting www.ssa.gov/locator and entering your zip code. This method takes longer than phone or online — usually 2 to 3 weeks — because your letter has to be processed and mailed back to you.

What to do if your card was stolen

If your Medicare card was stolen, tell Medicare when you request your replacement. You can mention it during the phone call, note it in your online request, or write it in your letter. Medicare will flag your account so staff can watch for unusual activity.

You should also check your Medicare claims to make sure no one used your number to receive services or supplies you did not get. You can view your claims online through My Medicare or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. If you see charges you do not recognize, report them to Medicare right away.

Get temporary proof of coverage while you wait

If you need proof that you have Medicare before your new card arrives, you have two options. Through My Medicare, you can print a temporary proof of coverage document that shows your Medicare number and coverage dates. By phone, a Medicare representative can read your Medicare number to you, and you can write it down to show a doctor or hospital.

Most doctors and hospitals can look up your coverage using your Social Security number and date of birth, so you may not need to show proof at all. If you are unsure, call the office ahead of time and ask what they need.

Update your mailing address if it has changed

If you have moved since Medicare last had your address on file, update it before you request your new card. You can change your address online through My Medicare, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.

If you request a card without updating your address first, it will be mailed to the old address on file. You would then have to request another card with your correct address. Updating takes just a few minutes and saves you that extra step.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new Medicare card?

Most people receive their new card within 7 to 10 business days. During busy times of year, it can take up to two weeks. Mail requests take longer, usually 2 to 3 weeks. Your Medicare coverage does not stop while you wait for the card to arrive.

Do I have to pay for a replacement Medicare card?

No. Medicare does not charge a fee for a replacement card, whether you request it online, by phone, or by mail. If someone asks you to pay for a Medicare card, that is a scam.

What if I never received my original Medicare card?

Request a replacement using the same methods described above — online, by phone, or by mail. Tell Medicare that you never received your original card. They will send a new one to your current address.

Can I get a new card if I moved to a different state?

Yes. Update your mailing address with Medicare first, then request your replacement card. Your new card will be mailed to your new state address. You can update your address online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.

What is my Medicare number if I do not have my card?

Your Medicare number is the same as your Social Security number. You can find it on tax documents, bank statements, or other official papers. If you need it right away, call 1-800-MEDICARE and a representative can read it to you over the phone.