How to order a replacement Medicare card

You can order a new Medicare card online, by phone, or by mail. The fastest way is online through Medicare.gov — you can request a card in minutes and it arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and a representative will mail one to you, which takes about two weeks.

You do not need to pay anything for a replacement card. Medicare sends new cards free of charge. You will need your Social Security number and date of birth to order, whether you go online or call.

Key Takeaways

  • Order online at Medicare.gov if you have internet access — your new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days at no cost.
  • Call 1-800-MEDICARE if you prefer phone support or do not have internet; allow about two weeks for delivery by mail.
  • You need your Social Security number and date of birth to request a card through either method.
  • If your card was lost or stolen, report it to Medicare right away so they can flag it and issue a replacement with a new number.
  • You can continue using your old card for medical care while you wait for the new one to arrive.

Ordering online through Medicare.gov

Go to Medicare.gov and look for the "Get a replacement Medicare card" option on the homepage. You will be asked to sign in with your Medicare account. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one using your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you are signed in, select the option to order a new card. You will confirm your mailing address — Medicare sends the card to the address on file with Social Security, so if you have moved recently, update your address first through your Social Security account or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. After you confirm your address, your request is complete. You will see a confirmation number on the screen; write it down or take a screenshot in case you need to check on your order later.

Your new card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received it, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to check the status.

Ordering by phone

Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. A representative will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. They will confirm the address where your card should be sent.

The representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down. Your card will be mailed to you and should arrive in about two weeks. If you do not receive it within three weeks, call back with your confirmation number and they can look up your order.

Ordering by mail

You can also request a new card by mailing a form to Social Security. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to send you Form SSA-131 (process for a Social Security Card). Fill it out and mail it back to your local Social Security office. This method is slower — allow three to four weeks for processing and delivery.

Most people find the online or phone method faster. Use the mail option only if you cannot access the internet and do not have a phone, or if you prefer written correspondence.

What to do if your card was lost or stolen

If your card is lost or stolen, call Medicare right away at 1-800-MEDICARE. Tell them what happened. Medicare can flag your old card number so it cannot be used fraudulently, and they will issue you a new card with a different number. This protects you if someone finds your card and tries to use your Medicare benefits.

While you wait for your new card, you can still see your doctors and use your Medicare coverage. Bring your old card to appointments if you have it, or give the provider your Medicare number from memory. Your coverage does not stop just because your physical card is in transit.

Using your old card while you wait

Your old Medicare card remains valid until your new one arrives. You can continue to use it at doctor visits, hospitals, and pharmacies. There is no gap in your coverage while a new card is being mailed to you.

If your old card is damaged but still readable, you can use it. If it is completely unreadable, call Medicare and explain the situation — they can often speed up a replacement or provide your Medicare number over the phone so you can give it to your provider.

Updating your address before ordering

Medicare sends your new card to the address on file with Social Security. If you have moved recently and have not updated your address, do that first before ordering your card, or it will go to your old address.

Update your address through your Social Security account online at ssa.gov, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Once your address is updated in the Social Security system, it syncs with Medicare. Wait one business day after updating, then order your new card. This ensures it goes to the correct address.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online orders arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Phone orders take about two weeks. Mail orders take three to four weeks. If you do not receive your card within the expected timeframe, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE with your confirmation number to check the status.

Do I have to pay for a replacement card?

No. Medicare replacement cards are always free. If someone asks you to pay for a Medicare card, they are not legitimate. Do not give them money or personal information.

Can I get a new card if I have not updated my address with Social Security?

Your card will be mailed to the address Social Security has on file. If that address is outdated, update it first by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or going online to ssa.gov. Wait one business day, then order your new Medicare card.

What if I need my Medicare number before the card arrives?

Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE and a representative will give you your Medicare number over the phone. You can provide this number to your doctor or pharmacy while you wait for your physical card. Your coverage is active even without the card in hand.

Can someone else order a card for me?

Generally, you must order your own card using your Social Security number and date of birth. If you are unable to do so due to illness or disability, a family member or caregiver can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE and explain the situation. They may be able to help arrange a card on your behalf with proper verification.