How to replace a lost or damaged Medicare card

You can order a replacement Medicare card online through your Medicare account, by phone, or by mail. The fastest way is online at Medicare.gov — you can request a new card in about five minutes if you have your Social Security number and date of birth. If you do not have an online account, calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) takes about 10 minutes and a representative will mail one to you. A replacement card typically arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to visit an office or provide proof that your card was lost. Medicare keeps your information on file, so you only need to confirm your identity. If your card was stolen rather than lost, you may also want to watch your Medicare statements for any claims you did not authorize — contact Medicare right away if you see suspicious activity.

Key Takeaways

  • Order online at Medicare.gov if you have an account set up, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a replacement by phone.
  • A new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days; you do not need to visit an office or provide documentation of the loss.
  • You can use your Medicare number (printed on statements or in your online account) at doctor visits while you wait for the physical card.
  • If your card was stolen, check your Medicare statements for unauthorized claims and report them to Medicare when ready.

Ordering online through your Medicare account

Go to Medicare.gov and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Once you are signed in, look for "Manage Your Health Care" or "Order a Replacement Card" in the menu — the exact wording changes, but it is always in the main account section.

Click the option to order a new card, confirm your mailing address, and submit. You will see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Medicare will send your new card to the address on file, and you can check the status of your order by signing back into your account within a few days.

Ordering 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 confirm your identity, verify your current mailing address, and place the order while you are on the phone. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number before you hang up. They will give you one, and you can use it to track your card's delivery. Medicare sends replacement cards to the address you confirm during the call, so make sure the address is correct before the representative submits the order.

Ordering by mail

If you prefer to request a card in writing, you can mail a letter to the Social Security Administration. Address it to Social Security Administration, Office of Earnings and International Operations, 131 West Wilson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21235. Include your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. Sign the letter and mail it.

This method is slower — it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for your letter to arrive, be processed, and for a new card to be mailed to you. Use this route only if you cannot access the phone or online options. Keep a copy of your letter for your records.

Using your Medicare number while you wait

You do not have to wait for your physical card to arrive to use your Medicare coverage. Your Medicare number is the same whether it is on a card or not. You can find your Medicare number in your online account at Medicare.gov, on any Medicare statements you have received, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Give your Medicare number to your doctor, hospital, or pharmacy instead of your card. They can look up your coverage using just the number. This is especially important if you have an appointment scheduled before your new card arrives.

What to do if your card was stolen

A stolen Medicare card is less urgent than a stolen credit card, but you should still take steps to protect yourself. Check your Medicare statements (available online or by mail) for any claims you do not recognize. Medicare statements show what services were billed to your account, so you can spot unauthorized use.

If you see claims you did not authorize, call 1-800-MEDICARE right away and report them. Medicare can investigate and remove fraudulent charges from your account. You can also file a report with the Office of Inspector General at oig.hhs.gov or call 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). Keep copies of any statements showing the fraudulent claims.

Replacing a card that is damaged but not lost

If your card is still readable but torn, faded, or otherwise damaged, you can still order a replacement using the same methods — online, by phone, or by mail. You do not need to explain what happened to the card. Just request a new one and Medicare will send it to you.

A damaged card that is still readable will continue to work at your doctor's office or pharmacy, so there is no rush. You can order a replacement whenever it is convenient for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement card the same day?

No. Medicare does not issue cards in person or on the same day. Online and phone orders take 7 to 10 business days for delivery. Mail requests take 2 to 3 weeks. If you have an appointment before your card arrives, give your doctor your Medicare number instead — they can verify your coverage with just the number.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to order a replacement card. If you do not have either, call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain your situation. A representative can help you through the process or direct you to the right office.

Will my new card have a different number?

No. Your Medicare number stays the same for your entire life. A replacement card will have the same number as your original card. The only time your Medicare number changes is if you become may be able to access for a new type of Medicare coverage, which is rare.

Do I need to do anything special if I moved recently?

Make sure your current address is correct in your Medicare account or tell the representative when you call. Your new card will be mailed to the address you confirm. If you moved and have not updated your address with Medicare, your card may go to your old address, so update it before you order.

What if my replacement card does not arrive after 10 business days?

Sign back into your Medicare account and check the status of your order using your confirmation number. If the status shows it was mailed but you have not received it after 14 days, call 1-800-MEDICARE. A representative can reorder your card or investigate what happened to the first one.