The front of your Medicare card

Your Medicare card is a plastic card about the size of a credit card. The front shows your name, a nine-digit Medicare number, and the dates your coverage began. The card is mostly white with a blue stripe across the top that says "MEDICARE" in large letters. Your name appears below the stripe, and your Medicare number is printed twice — once in large type and once in smaller type below it.

The front also shows your date of birth and sex. At the bottom, you will see the word "HOSPITAL" on the left side and "MEDICAL" on the right side. These labels mark where your coverage types are listed. Under "HOSPITAL" is the date your Part A coverage started. Under "MEDICAL" is the date your Part B coverage started. If you have neither date, that part of Medicare is not active on your card.

The back of your Medicare card

The back of the card lists important phone numbers and a website. You will see the main Medicare phone number (1-800-MEDICARE), which is 1-800-633-4227. The back also shows the phone number for your state's Medicaid program, which is different from Medicare and varies by state. There is a website address for Medicare.gov.

The back includes a space for your signature. You should sign this space in pen when you receive your card. Some older cards may have additional information printed on the back, but the phone numbers and website are standard on all current cards.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Medicare card displays your nine-digit Medicare number, which you need for all medical appointments and prescriptions.
  • The front shows your name, birth date, and the start dates for Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage.
  • The back lists the Medicare phone number (1-800-633-4227) and your state Medicaid phone number for reference.
  • You should sign the back of your card in pen and carry it with you to every doctor visit and hospital appointment.
  • If your card is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can order a replacement through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-633-4227.

What to do when you receive your card

When your Medicare card arrives in the mail, sign the back in pen right away. Do not use a marker or pencil. Keep the card in a safe place, such as a wallet or purse, so you have it when you go to the doctor. You do not need to laminate it, and doing so may make it harder for medical offices to scan.

Write down your Medicare number in a separate safe location, such as a notebook at home. This way, if your card is lost or damaged, you still have the number. You will need this number to schedule appointments, fill prescriptions, and check your claims online.

Changes to your card over time

Medicare has gradually changed the design of cards over the years. Older cards may look different from newer ones, but they all contain the same basic information: your name, Medicare number, birth date, and coverage start dates. If you have an older card, it is still valid and you can continue to use it until it expires or becomes damaged.

Starting in 2024, Medicare began mailing cards with a new design that includes a different format for the Medicare number. If you receive a new card, the number will be the same as your old one — Medicare does not change your number when they update the card design. You should destroy your old card once you receive the new one to prevent confusion.

What your Medicare number means

Your nine-digit Medicare number is unique to you. The first five digits are based on your Social Security number, and the last four digits are added by Medicare. This number stays with you for life, even if you move to a different state or change your name. You will use this number every time you see a doctor, go to the hospital, or fill a prescription.

You may also see a letter at the end of your Medicare number on some documents. This letter shows your relationship to the person whose Social Security number was used to create the Medicare account. For example, if you are the account holder, the letter may be "A". If you are a spouse, it may be "B". This letter does not appear on your physical card but may show up in online records or on bills.

Protecting your Medicare card and number

Treat your Medicare card like you would treat a credit card. Do not share your Medicare number with anyone unless they are a doctor, hospital, pharmacy, or other medical provider you trust. Scammers sometimes call or email claiming to be from Medicare and ask for your number — Medicare will never contact you this way unless you called them first.

If your card is lost or stolen, call Medicare right away at 1-800-633-4227 to report it. You can order a replacement card through the same number or through your online Medicare account at Medicare.gov. A replacement card usually arrives within two to three weeks. Until it arrives, you can use your Medicare number to receive care — you do not need the physical card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to carry my Medicare card with me at all times?

You should bring your card to every doctor visit, hospital appointment, and pharmacy visit. Medical offices need it to verify your coverage and process your claims. If you forget it, tell the office your Medicare number, and they can look up your information. However, having the card makes the process faster.

What if my name on the card is spelled wrong?

Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 to report the error. They will send you a corrected card. In the meantime, bring the incorrect card to your appointments and let the office know about the spelling error so they can note it in your file.

Can I use my Medicare card if it is faded or hard to read?

If your card is faded, cracked, or difficult to read, order a replacement through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-633-4227. A new card is free and usually arrives within two to three weeks. Until it arrives, you can give your Medicare number to medical offices verbally.

What if I have both Medicare and Medicaid?

You will have two separate cards — one for Medicare and one for Medicaid. Bring both cards to your medical appointments. The back of your Medicare card lists your state Medicaid phone number so you can reach Medicaid if you have questions about that coverage.

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

No. Your Medicare number is a nine-digit number that includes part of your Social Security number plus additional digits added by Medicare. You will see only your Medicare number on your card, not your full Social Security number.