Where to Get Your Medicare Number

Your Medicare number arrives in the mail from Social Security within two weeks of when you turn 65 or when your coverage begins. The number comes on a card that looks like a Social Security card but says "MEDICARE" at the top. If you have not received it yet, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask them to mail a replacement or tell you your number over the phone.

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, your Medicare number is usually your Social Security number followed by a letter. If you are not yet on Social Security, your Medicare number will be assigned when you first become may be able to access. You do not need to do anything to get the number — it is created automatically when you reach 65 or when you meet other conditions that make you may be able to access for Medicare.

If you turned 65 more than a few weeks ago and still have not received your card, contact Social Security directly. Do not wait — you may need the number to set up your coverage or to show to doctors and hospitals.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Medicare card arrives by mail from Social Security within two weeks of when your coverage starts, usually around your 65th birthday.
  • You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to get your Medicare number by phone if your card has not arrived or you need it right away.
  • Your Medicare number is typically your Social Security number plus a letter, and it stays the same for life.
  • You will need your Medicare number to register with doctors, set up your prescriptions, and pay your premiums.
  • If your card is lost or damaged, Social Security will send you a replacement at no cost.

What Information Is on Your Medicare Card

Your Medicare card shows your name, your Medicare number, the date your coverage began, and which parts of Medicare you have (Part A, Part B, Part D, or a combination). The card also lists any coverage restrictions — for example, if you have limited coverage for certain services. On the back of the card is information about how to contact Medicare if you have questions.

Keep your card in a safe place, like your wallet or a drawer at home. You will show it to doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies every time you receive care. Some providers will ask to scan or photocopy it. You do not need to carry it everywhere, but you should have it with you when you go to medical appointments.

What to Do If Your Card Never Arrives

If more than three weeks have passed since you became may be able to access for Medicare and you have not received your card, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. Social Security can tell you your Medicare number right away and mail you a replacement card within one to two weeks.

If you are moving, update your address with Social Security before you turn 65 so your card goes to the right place. You can change your address online at ssa.gov, by phone, or by visiting a local Social Security office.

If Your Card Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report a lost or stolen card and request a replacement. There is no cost for a replacement card. Social Security will mail it to you within one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can give your Medicare number to doctors and hospitals by phone or in writing — you do not have to wait for the physical card to start using your coverage.

If your card is damaged but still readable, you can continue using it until the replacement arrives. If the number is hard to read, call Social Security and they will send a new one.

Using Your Medicare Number Before Your Card Arrives

You do not have to wait for your physical card to start using Medicare. Once you are enrolled, your coverage is active even if the card has not arrived yet. When you go to a doctor or hospital, tell them your Medicare number (Social Security can give it to you by phone) and they can look up your coverage in their system.

If a provider says they cannot see your coverage without the physical card, ask to speak to the billing department. Most modern medical offices can verify your Medicare coverage by your number alone. If you are having trouble, call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and they can help you sort it out with the provider.

Keeping Your Medicare Number Safe

Your Medicare number is sensitive information — it is linked to your health records and your benefits. Do not share it with anyone except your doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and Medicare itself. Be cautious about emails or phone calls asking for your Medicare number. Medicare will never call you out of the blue asking for it.

If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and asking for your number, hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to report it. Scammers often pose as Medicare representatives to steal personal information.

What Happens If You Lose Your Number

If you forget your Medicare number, you can find it by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or by logging into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov. You can also call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE and they will look it up for you using your name and date of birth.

Your doctors and hospitals may also have your Medicare number on file from past visits. If you are at an appointment and cannot remember it, ask the office staff — they can often look it up in their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Medicare number before I turn 65?

No. Your Medicare number is created when your coverage becomes active, which is usually the month you turn 65. If you are not yet 65, you can contact Social Security about three months before your birthday to make sure your information is correct, but the number itself will not be issued until your coverage date arrives.

Is my Medicare number the same as my Social Security number?

Usually, your Medicare number is your Social Security number followed by a letter (A, B, C, or D). However, if you are not yet receiving Social Security, your Medicare number may be different. Either way, it stays the same for life and does not change if you move or change your name.

What if I have already retired and did not get a Medicare card?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you retired before turning 65, you may not have been automatically enrolled in Medicare. Social Security can tell you whether you are enrolled and send you a card if you are. If you are not enrolled, they can explain your options.

Do I need my Medicare number to sign up for Part D or a Medigap plan?

Yes. When you enroll in Part D (prescription drug coverage) or a Medigap supplemental plan, you will need to provide your Medicare number. You can get it by calling Social Security or Medicare even if your card has not arrived yet.

What should I do if someone asks for my Medicare number in an email?

Do not reply with your number. Medicare and legitimate healthcare providers will not ask for sensitive information by email. If you are unsure whether a request is real, call the organization directly using a phone number you know is correct — do not use a number from the email.