How to order a replacement Medicare card

You can order a new Medicare card online through your Medicare account, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest — you can request a card in about five minutes and it arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, calling Medicare or mailing a form works too, though those routes take longer.

You will need your Social Security number and date of birth to order online. If you are ordering by phone or mail, a Medicare representative can help you with the process even if you do not have those details handy. A replacement card costs nothing.

Key Takeaways

  • Order online at Medicare.gov using your login, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to request a card by phone.
  • Online orders arrive in 7 to 10 business days; phone and mail orders may take 2 to 4 weeks.
  • You need your Social Security number and date of birth to order online, but a Medicare representative can help you by phone if you do not have these details.
  • Order a replacement if your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name has changed.
  • Your Medicare coverage does not stop while you wait for a new card — you can still see doctors and use your benefits with your current card or account number.

Ordering online through Medicare.gov

Go to Medicare.gov and sign in to your account. 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 the option to order a replacement card — it is usually under "My Health Information" or "Manage Your Medicare."

Select the reason you need a new card: lost, stolen, damaged, or name change. Enter your current mailing address or update it if it has changed. Review the information on screen to make sure it is correct, then submit your request. You will see a confirmation number — write it down or take a screenshot in case you need to check on your order later.

Your new card will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card sooner, there is no expedited shipping option through Medicare, but you can use your current card or your Medicare number while you wait.

Ordering by phone

Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). A representative will ask for your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They will confirm your mailing address and the reason you need a replacement card. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Phone orders are processed the same way as online orders, but the card may take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive because the request has to be entered into the system by a representative. Ask the representative for a confirmation number before you hang up.

Medicare's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. If you call on a weekend or holiday, you can leave a message and a representative will call you back during business hours.

Ordering by mail

read and print the form CMS-10081 from Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a form be mailed to you. Fill in your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. Check the box for the reason you need a new card.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form — it varies by state. Include a copy of a document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill or lease, if your address has changed since Medicare last had your information. Mail delivery and processing typically take 3 to 4 weeks.

What to do if your card is lost or stolen

Order a replacement as soon as you notice your card is missing. Until your new card arrives, your Medicare coverage is still active — you can still see doctors and use your benefits. Bring your ID and tell the doctor's office or pharmacy that your card is on the way.

If your card was stolen, you do not need to report it to a police department or to Medicare itself. Your Medicare number does not change, and no one can use your card to get medical care in your name because providers verify your identity before treatment. However, if you are concerned about fraud, you can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE and ask them to flag your account.

Updating your name on your Medicare card

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or another reason, you can order a new card with your updated name. When you order online or by phone, select "name change" as the reason. You will need to provide your new legal name and may be asked to show proof of the change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — though Medicare does not always require this before issuing a new card.

If Medicare asks for proof, they will tell you how to send it. You can mail a copy of the document or upload it through your Medicare account if that option is available in your state. Your new card will be mailed once your name change is processed.

Using your Medicare number while you wait

Your Medicare number does not change when you order a new card. While your replacement is in the mail, you can give your Medicare number to doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies instead of showing your physical card. Your number is on your current card, in your Medicare account online, or you can call 1-800-MEDICARE to have a representative read it to you.

Write down your Medicare number and keep it in your wallet so you have it if your card is lost or damaged. Some people take a photo of their card on their phone as a backup.

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 2 to 4 weeks because a representative has to enter the request into the system. Mail orders also take 3 to 4 weeks because of postal delivery time and processing delays.

Can I use my old card while I wait for the new one?

Yes. Your Medicare coverage does not stop, and your Medicare number stays the same. You can show your current card or give your Medicare number to providers. If your card is damaged but still readable, you can keep using it.

What if I never receive my new card?

Wait at least 10 business days after ordering online, or 4 to 5 weeks after ordering by phone or mail. If it does not arrive, call 1-800-MEDICARE and give them your confirmation number. They can check the status of your order and resubmit it if needed.

Do I have to pay for a replacement card?

No. Medicare replacement cards are free. If a website or person offers to send you a Medicare card for a fee, that is a scam — do not give them money or personal information.

What if my address changes after I order?

If your card has not arrived yet, call 1-800-MEDICARE with your confirmation number and ask them to update your mailing address. If the card has already been mailed to your old address, you can request another one to be sent to your new address, or ask the people at your old address to forward it to you.