How to order a replacement Medicare card

You can order a replacement Medicare card online, by phone, or by mail. The fastest way is online through your Medicare account at Medicare.gov. You will need to sign in with your username and password, or create an account if you do not have one yet. Once signed in, go to "Manage Your Health Care" and select "Order a replacement Medicare card." The card usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to call, you can reach Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). A representative will take your information over the phone and mail a replacement card to you. This method takes the same amount of time — 7 to 10 business days — but you do not need to create an online account.

You can also request a replacement card by mail. Fill out Form CMS-582, which you can read from Medicare.gov or request by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form. This is the slowest option and may take 2 to 3 weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through Medicare.gov is fastest, with cards arriving in 7 to 10 business days if you sign into your account and order through "Manage Your Health Care."
  • You can call 1-800-MEDICARE to order by phone without creating an online account, and the card arrives in the same timeframe.
  • Mailing Form CMS-582 is an option but takes longer — up to 2 to 3 weeks — and should only be used if you cannot access the phone or internet.
  • You do not need to provide a reason for ordering a replacement; Medicare will send a new card to the address on file in your account.

What information you will need

Whether you order online or by phone, have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. If you are ordering online, you will also need to sign into your Medicare account. If you do not have a Medicare.gov account yet, you can create one using your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth.

If you are ordering by mail using Form CMS-582, you will need to write your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address on the form. Make sure the address is correct — Medicare will mail your new card there. If you have moved recently and your address is not yet updated in the Medicare system, call 1-800-MEDICARE before mailing the form so they can update it first.

When to order a replacement card

Order a replacement card if your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name has changed. You should also order a new card if the information printed on it is wrong — for example, if your name is misspelled or your Medicare number is incorrect. Do not wait to use your old card while you order a replacement; you can use your Social Security number as your Medicare number at the doctor's office or pharmacy in the meantime.

If your card was stolen, you may also want to contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to report it. This is not required to get a replacement, but it alerts Medicare to watch for unusual activity on your account. There is no charge for a replacement card.

Checking the status of your replacement card

Once you have ordered a replacement card, you can check its status online if you ordered through Medicare.gov. Sign into your account, go to "Manage Your Health Care," and look for "Order a replacement Medicare card." The page will show whether your card is being processed, has shipped, or has been delivered.

If you ordered by phone or mail, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about your card's status. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. The representative can tell you whether the card has been mailed and give you an estimated delivery date.

What to do if your card does not arrive

If your replacement card does not arrive within 10 to 14 business days of ordering online or by phone, or within 3 to 4 weeks of mailing Form CMS-582, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE. A representative can check whether the card was mailed and to what address. If there was an error in your mailing address, they can issue a new card to the correct address.

While you wait for your replacement card, you can still see your doctor or fill prescriptions. Give your doctor's office or pharmacy your Social Security number and date of birth instead of your Medicare card number. They can look up your Medicare information using this data. You do not need to wait for the physical card to arrive to use your Medicare coverage.

Updating your address before ordering

Make sure your mailing address is current in your Medicare account before you order a replacement card. If you have moved and your address has not been updated, your new card will be mailed to your old address and you will not receive it.

To update your address online, sign into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov, go to "Manage Your Health Care," and select "Update your personal information." You can change your mailing address there. If you do not have an online account, call 1-800-MEDICARE and a representative will update your address for you. Allow a few days for the change to process before ordering your replacement card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Social Security number instead of my Medicare card while I wait for the replacement?

Yes. Your doctor's office, hospital, and pharmacy can look up your Medicare information using your Social Security number and date of birth. You do not need the physical card to receive care or fill prescriptions. This is a temporary solution while your replacement card is in the mail.

Is there a cost to order a replacement Medicare card?

No. Medicare does not charge for replacement cards. If a website or phone number asks you to pay for a Medicare card, it is not legitimate. Only order through Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or by mailing Form CMS-582 directly to Medicare.

What if my name changed after I got my original Medicare card?

Order a replacement card with your new name. When you order online or by phone, tell the representative your name has changed and provide your new legal name. You may need to provide a copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change, depending on Medicare's request.

Can someone else order a replacement card for me?

If you are unable to order the card yourself, a family member or caregiver can order it for you online using your Medicare account information, or they can call 1-800-MEDICARE on your behalf. They will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. The card will be mailed to the address on file in your account.

What should I do with my old Medicare card once the replacement arrives?

Destroy your old card by cutting it up or shredding it. Do not throw it away whole, since it contains your Medicare number and could be used if found. Once your new card arrives and you have verified the information is correct, safely dispose of the old one.