How to get a new 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 card in minutes if you have your Social Security number and date of birth. If you do not have an online account, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and speak to a representative, or fill out a paper form and mail it in. Most cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days, though mail delivery can add time depending on where you live.

You will need a replacement card if yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name has changed. You do not need to wait for your current card to expire — you can order a new one anytime. If you are turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare for the first time, your card will be mailed to you automatically about two weeks before your coverage begins, so you do not need to request it.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at Medicare.gov is fastest and requires only your Social Security number, date of birth, and a way to verify your identity.
  • Calling 1-800-MEDICARE lets you speak to someone who can answer questions while you order, though wait times vary by time of day.
  • Mailing in Form CMS-10081 takes longer but works if you cannot go online or use the phone.
  • Your replacement card typically arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but weather and postal delays can extend that.
  • You do not need your old card to order a new one, and you can order as many times as needed at no cost.

Ordering online through Medicare.gov

Go to Medicare.gov and sign into your account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Once you are signed in, look for the option to order a replacement card — it is usually under "Manage Your Health Care" or a similar section.

You will be asked to confirm your personal information and choose how you want to receive your card. Standard mail delivery is the only option, and there is no charge. After you submit your request, you will see a confirmation number on the screen — write this down or take a screenshot. You can use this number to check the status of your card order anytime by logging back into your Medicare account.

Ordering by phone

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and tell the representative you need a replacement Medicare card. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions, then process your order over the phone.

Phone lines are busiest early in the morning and on Mondays, so calling in the afternoon or mid-week may mean a shorter wait. The representative will give you a confirmation number before you hang up — keep this for your records. Your card will be mailed to the address on file with Social Security, so if you have moved recently, tell the representative your new address before you hang up.

Ordering by mail

If you cannot use the internet or phone, you can mail in Form CMS-10081 (process for a Social Security Card). You can read this form from Medicare.gov or request it by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Fill out the form completely, including your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address.

Mail the form to the address listed on the form itself — this varies by state. Include a copy of proof of identity (such as a driver's license or passport) and proof of citizenship or legal residency if you were not born in the United States. Expect this method to take 3 to 4 weeks or longer, since your form must travel by mail, be processed, and then your new card must be mailed back to you.

What to do if your card does not arrive

If more than 10 business days have passed and your card has not arrived, log into your Medicare account and check the status of your order. If the status shows "delivered" but you did not receive it, check with others in your household or ask your mail carrier if it was left in a safe place.

If your card is truly lost in the mail, call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain the situation. The representative can cancel your first order and send a replacement. You do not have to pay anything for a second card. In the meantime, you can use your confirmation number as proof of Medicare coverage if you need to see a doctor — bring the confirmation number and your Social Security card to your appointment.

Updating your name on your Medicare card

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or another reason, you will need to update it with Social Security first. Go to your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to report the name change. Bring proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order) and your Social Security card.

Once Social Security has updated your name, Medicare will automatically update it in their system within a few weeks. You can then order a new Medicare card with your correct name using any of the methods above. You do not need to do anything extra — just request the card and it will reflect your new name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Medicare coverage while I wait for my new card?

Yes. Your coverage is active even if your card has not arrived yet. If you need to see a doctor before your card comes, bring your confirmation number and a photo ID. Your doctor's office can look up your Medicare information using your Social Security number and date of birth.

What if I never received my first Medicare card when I turned 65?

Contact 1-800-MEDICARE right away. Your card should have been mailed automatically about two weeks before your coverage started. If it did not arrive, the representative can send a replacement and check whether your address was correct in the system.

Do I have to pay to replace a lost or damaged card?

No. There is no charge for ordering a replacement Medicare card, no matter how many times you need one. Anyone who charges you for a Medicare card is running a scam.

Can someone else order a card for me?

If you are unable to use the phone or internet yourself, a family member or caregiver can help you order online or call on your behalf. They will need your Social Security number and date of birth, but Medicare will still mail the card to your address, not theirs.

What if my address has changed since I enrolled in Medicare?

Update your address with Social Security first by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office. Once that is updated, order your new Medicare card and it will be mailed to your new address. If you order before updating Social Security, the card may go to your old address.