Replace Lost Medicare Card

If you need to replace a lost Medicare card, you’re in luck. Social Security’s convenient online site allows beneficiaries who’ve damaged or lost a red, white, and blue Medicare card to replace it.
Medicare provides medical and prescription medicines coverage to people 65 years of age or older, disabled people, and individuals suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Medicare’s three parts – Part A (hospital expenses,) Part B (physicians’ care and medical supplies), and Part D (prescription drugs) – help Americans to stretch their medical dollars.

How Do I Get a New Medicare Card?

It’s a relatively simple process:

• If you don’t already have a my Social Security account, it will take a few minutes to open one.
• After the my Social Security account is arranged, it’s possible to request a new Medicare card if you don’t believe it was stolen.
• If you believe your original Medicare card was stolen or lost, contact the Social Security Administration’s hotline at 800-772-1213.

What Information Do I Need to Replace a Lost Medicare Card?

In order to get a replacement card, you’ll need to supply 1) your name (as it’s shown on your Social Security card), 2) your date of birth, and 3) your Social Security number.
If you’re receiving drug or health benefits from an approved Medicare Advantage Plan—e.g., a PDP, HMO, or PPO—contact the plan to ask them to replace your card.
If you receive Medicare benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, contact them at 877-772-5772 to request a replacement Medicare card.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid should send the replacement card by post within 30 days.

What Do I Do if I Lost My Medicare Card?

If you suspect the Medicare card is either lost or stolen, stay on alert for Medicare fraud:

• Check the Medicare Summary Notice for medical services you didn’t get
• Contact the Fraud Line of the Inspector General at 800-447-8477 to notify CMS about any fraudulent Medicare charges. (When investigating possible fraud, Medicare investigators won’t use your name without permission from you.)
• File a police report if you suspect the Original Medicare card has been stolen. It could be used to steal your identity (a thief might apply for credit cards, loans, utility services, etc., in your name).
• Keep your copy of the police report. You may need to share the police report with others.
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission at 877-438-4338 about your stolen Medicare card.
• Notify Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, the three major credit reporting agencies (CRAs) about the theft of your card. Ask to file a report with the fraud unit.

To avoid future problems, keep your Medicare card in a secure place. Make a photocopy of your card and keep the number in a safe place in case you need it.

Why Do I Need a my Social Security Account?

It’s possible to request a replacement of your Original Medicare card by visiting a local Social Security field office.
However, most people have busy lives, jobs, and families to manage. Setting up a my Social Security account can help you learn more about how much money you can expect to receive from Social Security in retirement.
Many people report that the biggest source of their future retirement income will be Social Security benefits. You can use the my Social Security account to estimate retirement benefits at age 62 (early retirement, age 66 (‘Social Security Full Retirement Age’ for many Americans), or age 70 (the age at which you must take Social Security benefits).
In addition to allowing you to get a replacement Medicare card with ease, the my Social Security page helps you:

• Track annual income and verify earnings each year
• Estimate future Social Security benefits before retirement
• Request a proof of benefits letter if you receive Social Security benefits
• Manage Social Security benefits
• Begin or change financial institution for direct deposit
• Request a replacement SSA-1042S or SSA-1099 form for tax purposes
• Submit a change of address

With so many tools at your fingertips, you might not need to visit a local Social Security field office anytime soon. Of course, should you prefer to visit your local Social Security Administration office, or have questions about how to get a replacement Medicare card, it’s possible to make an appointment or walk-in during business hours.