What Your Medicare HIC Number Is and Where to Find It

Your Medicare HIC number is a unique identifier that Medicare assigned to you when you first enrolled

Your HIC number (Health Insurance Claim number) is an 11-character code that Medicare uses to track your account and process your claims. It appears on your Medicare card and in your personal Medicare records. You will need it whenever you see a doctor, fill a prescription, or contact Medicare about your coverage.

The HIC number is different from your Social Security number, though it was historically based on it. Medicare created separate HIC numbers to add a layer of privacy protection. Your HIC number stays the same for life, even if you move, change your name, or update your contact information.

Key Takeaways

Your HIC number is an 11-character code printed on your Medicare card that identifies your account to doctors, pharmacies, and Medicare itself.
You can find your HIC number on your physical Medicare card, in your online Medicare account, or by calling Medicare directly.
Your HIC number does not change when you move, change your name, or switch between Medicare plans.
Healthcare providers and pharmacies need your HIC number to submit claims and verify your coverage.

Where to find your HIC number

The easiest place to look is your Medicare card. The HIC number appears in the upper right corner of the front of the card, printed in large type. If you have lost your card or it is damaged, you can request a replacement through Medicare.

You can also find your HIC number by logging into your account at Medicare.gov. Once you sign in, your HIC number appears on your dashboard and in your account settings. If you do not have an online account, you can create one using your email address and a password.

If you cannot locate your card or access your online account, call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). A representative can tell you your HIC number over the phone. Have your name, date of birth, and address ready when you call.

What your HIC number looks like

Your HIC number is always 11 characters long. It typically consists of nine digits followed by two letters. For example, it might look like this: 123-45-6789-AB. The format is consistent across all Medicare beneficiaries, though the specific numbers and letters are unique to you.

Do not confuse your HIC number with other numbers on your Medicare card. Your card also displays your Medicare claim number (which may be the same as your HIC number), your group number (if you have a Medicare Advantage plan), and your prescription drug plan number (if you have Part D coverage). Each serves a different purpose in your Medicare records.

When you need to provide your HIC number

You will be asked for your HIC number in many routine situations. When you schedule a doctor's appointment, the office staff will ask for it so they can verify your coverage before your visit. When you fill a prescription at a pharmacy, the pharmacist needs it to check your Part D drug coverage and process the claim.

If you need to contact Medicare about a claim, a coverage question, or a billing issue, have your HIC number ready. It helps the representative pull up your account quickly and answer your question more accurately. You may also need it if you are switching Medicare plans during the annual enrollment period or if you are appealing a denied claim.

Hospital billing departments, imaging centers, and other healthcare facilities will also request your HIC number when you check in. Providing it helps may support your claims are routed to the correct Medicare account and processed without delay.

Protecting your HIC number

Your HIC number is sensitive information, similar to your Social Security number. It should not be shared with anyone except your healthcare providers, pharmacies, and Medicare itself. Be cautious about giving it out over the phone unless you initiated the call or you are certain you are speaking with a legitimate healthcare organization.

Medicare and legitimate healthcare providers will never ask for your HIC number by email or text message. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Medicare and asking for your HIC number, do not provide it. Hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to verify whether the contact was legitimate.

Keep your Medicare card in a safe place, just as you would your Social Security card. If your card is lost or stolen, contact Medicare right away to report it and request a replacement. You can report a lost or stolen card by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by visiting Medicare.gov.

If your HIC number changes

In most cases, your HIC number will not change. However, if there is an error in your Medicare records — for example, if your name was spelled incorrectly when you enrolled — Medicare may issue you a new HIC number as part of the correction process. This is rare, but it can happen.

If Medicare notifies you that your HIC number has changed, update your records with all your healthcare providers and pharmacies as soon as possible. Notify your doctor's office, your pharmacy, your insurance company, and any other organizations that have your old number on file. This prevents claims from being routed to the wrong account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my HIC number the same as my Medicare claim number?

In most cases, yes. Your HIC number and your Medicare claim number are the same 11-character code. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan or other supplemental coverage, you may have additional plan-specific numbers. Your Medicare card will show all the numbers you need.

Can I use my HIC number to check my claims online?

Yes. You can log into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov and view your claims history, check the status of pending claims, and see what Medicare paid for your care. You will need your HIC number and a password to sign in.

What should I do if I think my HIC number has been used fraudulently?

Contact Medicare when ready at 1-800-MEDICARE. Report the suspected fraud and ask for a new HIC number if necessary. You can also file a report with the Office of Inspector General at HHS.gov. Keep records of any unauthorized claims you discover.

Do I need my HIC number when I switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan?

Your HIC number remains the same when you switch plans. However, your new Medicare Advantage plan will assign you a separate plan ID number. You will need both numbers — your HIC number for Medicare records and your plan ID for your new insurance company.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.