Health Insurance

Medicare Card Replacement – Replace Your Medicare Card Or Get An Extra Card

Medicare cards are given to persons who have signed up for the programme. At the Social Security Center, you can find registration information on the front of the Medicare enrolment form. Medicare is a programme that provides healthcare to inhabitants of the United States. It provides free or low-cost health and hospital services to all Americans and some international visitors.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a health-insurance program for persons over the age of 65 in the United States. People under the age of 65, such as those with disabilities or those who have irreversible renal failure, may be eligible for Medicare.

The program assists with health-care costs, although it does not cover all medical bills or most long-term care costs. You can receive Medicare coverage in a variety of ways. You can purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy from a private insurance provider if you opt to have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) coverage.

Mandatory Medicare coverage

Mandatory Medicare coverage applies to state and local government employees recruited (or rehired) after March 31, 1986. Employees who are covered by a Section 218 Agreement for Social Security are already insured for Medicare. Medicare Qualified Government Employees are those whose services are not covered by Social Security but who are obligated to pay the Medicare-only part of FICA (MQGE).

Employees who have worked for the company continuously since March 31, 1986, are not covered by a Section 218 Agreement and are not subject to the mandatory Social Security and Medicare provisions, are exempt from both Social Security and Medicare taxes if they are members of a public retirement system.

Medicare card

A red, white, and blue Medicare card will be mailed to you. Your Medicare number and the commencement date of your Parts A and/or B benefits will be listed on this card.

You will receive separate cards whether you are enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or a Part D prescription medication coverage. Call Medicare (1-800-Medicare) or go to the Social Security website to request a new Medicare card. You will receive your Medicare card once you have enrolled in Medicare.

All medical and health-care appointments will require you to bring them with you. You should also have it on hand when interacting with Medicare, your health insurance provider, or your prescription drug provider.

When you sign up for Medicare, Social Security will mail you a red, white, and blue card.

The Medicare card has arrived in the mail. Your Medicare card will be mailed 3 months before your 65th birthday or the 25th month of receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if you are automatically enrolled.

The Medicare card verifies that you have Part A, Part B, or both types of Medicare health insurance. Your coverage will begin on the date shown on the card. Your Medicare Number, which is unique to you, will also be displayed on the card. Your Medicare number and your Social Security number are no longer the same. This number will be requested by your doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers.

This is what a Medicare card looks like:

You will receive a second card if you signed up for additional programs such as Part C (Medicare Advantage), Part D (prescription drug)/Medigap coverage, or Medicaid. You’ll need to show that card to your doctor, pharmacy, and other healthcare providers as well.

To prove that you have Medicare coverage, you’ll need your Medicare card. Order a replacement card from Social Security as soon as possible if your card is damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen, so you don’t have any problems accessing insured treatment. A replacement can be simply ordered online, over the phone, or in-person at your local Social Security office.

  1. Ordering a replacement card online

Go to My Social Security and sign in. To access your account, go to https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.do. On the same page, you can create an online account if you haven’t already. Having an online account with Social Security is free of charge.

Even if you are not already receiving Social Security payments, you can open an online account.

  • Select “Replacement Documents” from the drop-down menu. After logging in, go to the “Replace Documents” tab and select “Mail my replacement Medicare card” from the drop-down menu.
  • Go to My Social Security and sign in. To access your account, go to https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.do. On the same page, you can create an online account if you haven’t already. Having an online account with Social Security is free of charge.
  • Even if you are not already receiving Social Security payments, you can open an online account.
  • Select “Replacement Documents” from the drop-down menu. After logging in, go to the “Replace Documents” tab and select “Mail my replacement Medicare card” from the drop-down menu.

Wait for your replacement card to arrive. Once you order your replacement, your card should come in the mail within 30 days at the address on file with Social Security. Your order will be confirmed after it has been received.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to speed up the procedure. Notify Social Security as soon as possible if you require a replacement.

If you haven’t received your card within 30 days, call 1-800-772-1213 to talk with a representative at the toll-free Social Security customer service number. Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., operators are available.

  1. Getting in touch with customer service

Before you call, gather information. To obtain a replacement Medicare card, you will need to supply your Social Security number, as well as your full name and your date of birth as it appears on your birth certificate.

  • Call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free customer support number. Call 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement Medicare card over the phone. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, automated service is available. Representatives are accessible Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to assist you.

1-800-325-0778 is the TTY number. This number is only available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • Request a replacement card by following the directions. Using the automated services of the Social Security Administration, you can request a replacement Medicare card. Select that option from the menu if you’d like to chat with a live agent.
  • Your identification, as well as the address to which you want your new card shipped, will be verified by the agent.

Your replacement card will be in the mail. Your new Medicare card will be printed and shipped to you after you call. It could take up to 30 days for you to receive your replacement card.

If you’ve not received your card after 30 days, contact customer care and explain your issue. They might be able to check your card’s status, such as when it was mailed.

  1. Replacing your card in person

Find the Social Security office closest to you. If you don’t feel comfortable buying a replacement Medicare card online or over the phone, you can go to the local Social Security office and replace it in person. Enter your zip code at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp to find the nearest Social Security office.

  • Make a list of all the documents that prove your identity. Take your Social Security card and a government-issued photo ID, such as your driver’s license, with you if you’re traveling to the Social Security office in person to acquire a replacement Medicare card.

Even if Social Security employees don’t ask to see these documents, having them on hand is a smart idea just in case.

  • During business hours, go to the Social. For the most part, business hours in Social Security offices are standardized across the country. Social Security offices generally are open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon
  • Before you go, go to https://www.ssa.gov/agency/emergency/ to see if there are any emergency closures. The direct phone numbers for local offices are not published by Social Security.

You are unable to schedule an appointment. If you go first thing in the morning, you’ll usually have a shorter wait.

  • Request a new Medicare card. Explain that your Medicare card has been damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen and that you need to get a replacement when it’s your turn to speak with a Social Security representative.
  • If your card has been lost or stolen, a staff member may ask you for additional information or assess whether you wish to file a fraud report. You may have to fill out a form. A member of staff will verify your details and place an order for a card on your behalf.

Your new card will be in the mail. Even if you ask for a new card in person, it will be mailed to your home. You can’t have it mailed to you and picked up at the Social Security office. Within 30 days following your visit to the Social Security office, you should receive your card.

If you haven’t received your new card within 30 days, contact the toll-free customer support number at 1-800-772-1213.

Tips

Be on the lookout for fraudulent activities if your Medicare card has been lost or stolen. Review your Medicare Summary Notice and contact 1-800-HHS-TIPS to report any services you didn’t receive.

If you worked for a railroad, contact the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 to request a replacement card. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to noon, operators are available.

If you need temporary proof of your Medicare coverage while waiting for your replacement card, you can seek a letter from Social Security. It usually takes 10 days for this letter to arrive in the mail.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare health plan and misplace your membership card, call the plan’s customer service number.

You can only get a replacement of your original Medicare card through Social Security.

When do you get another Medicare card?

  • Your card is lost or damaged — Log into (or create) your Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
  • Your name changed — Your Medicare card shows the name you have on file with Social Security.

Carrying your card

You’ll need the information on your Medicare card to join a Medicare health or drug plan or buy

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), so keep your Medicare card in a safe place.

If you have

  1. Original Medicare
  • Carry your Medicare card with you when you’re away from home.
  • Show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider when you get services.
  • If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental coverage, carry that plan card with you too.

If you join a

  1. Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan:
  • You’ll use your plan’s card to get services, not your Medicare card.
  • Keep your Medicare card in a safe place in case you switch plans or go back to Original Medicare later.

Railroad Retirement Board

The Railroad Retirement Board is an independent agency in the executive branch of the federal government that administers comprehensive retirement-survivor and unemployment-sickness benefit programs for the nation’s railroad workers and their families, under the Railroad Retirement Act and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act.

You can get a new Medicare card if it expires or is lost, stolen, or damaged. You can also get an extra card.

If you get Medicare through the Railroad Retirement Board, call the Railroad Retirement Board to order a replacement Medicare card. You should get your new card in the mail within 30 days.

Your Medicare card, Social Security card, and other health insurance cards are very important documents. Make sure to keep a photocopy of your important identification and insurance cards, write down any important numbers (like your Medicare number), and keep everything in a safe place so that you have a record for future reference if anything gets lost.

Also, if your Medicare card has been lost or stolen, watch out for Medicare fraud. Check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for services you did not receive, and if you spot any, report them to the Inspector General’s fraud hotline at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). You can also get help from your local Senior Medicare Patrol.

Replacing your expired card

A new card is sent to you about 4 to 8 weeks before your current card expires. You don’t need to do anything. It is sent to your address directly.

It’s important to tell us when you change addresses. If you don’t and your card expires, your card will go to your previous address. Read more about how to update your Medicare details.

If you don’t get your card, you can request a new one by:

  • using your Medicare online account through myGov or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app
  • calling the Medicare general inquiries line.

Getting an extra card

Your family can get a second card with the same details. We provide an extra card when more than 1 family member needs a card. Only 1 extra card can be issued and an extra card can’t be when you’re the only person on your card.

You can ask for an extra card by:

  • using your Medicare online account through myGov or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app
  • calling the Medicare general inquiries line.

Your extra card will be sent to you in 3 to 4 weeks to the address you provide.

Protect your Medicare number like a credit card

Only give personal information, like your Medicare Number, to health care providers, your insurance companies or health plans (and their licensed agents or brokers), or people you trust that work with Medicare.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Don’t share your Medicare Number or other personal information with anyone who contacts you by phone, email, or in person, unless you contacted them first and permitted them to contact you.

If someone calls and asks for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits, hang up and call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY: 1-877-486-2048.

Medicare will never call you uninvited and ask you to give us personal or private information.

Protect your identity

If you think that someone else is using your Medicare Number, call at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). If you suspect identity theft or feel like you gave your personal information to someone you shouldn’t have, contact the Federal Trade Commission.

10 things to know about your new Medicare card

Medicare is mailing new Medicare cards starting in April 2018. Here are 10 things to know about your new Medicare card:

  1. Mailing takes time

Your card may arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.

  1. Destroy your old Medicare card

 Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card right away.

  1. Guard your card

Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.

  1. Your Medicare number is unique

Your card has a new number instead of your Social Security Number. This new number is unique to you.

  1. Your new card is paper

Paper cards are easier for many providers to use and copy, and they save taxpayers a lot of money. Plus, you can print your replacement card if you need one.

  1. Keep your new card with you

Carry your new card and show it to your health care providers when you need care.

  1. Your doctor knows it’s coming

Doctors, other health care facilities, and providers will ask for your new Medicare card when you need care.

  1. You can find your number

If you forget your new card, you, your doctor, or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.

  1. Keep your Medicare Advantage Card

If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare – you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card too.

  1. Help is available

If you don’t get your new Medicare card by April 2019, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

You have the right to get Medicare information in an accessible format, like large print, Braille, or audio. You also have the right to file a complaint if you feel you’ve been discriminated against. Visit CMS.gov/about-cms/agency-information/aboutwebsite/ cmsnondiscriminationnotice.html, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for more information. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

The bottom line

Medicare services are vital for people in moments of crisis & connect individuals to the services and support needed for recovery. Mobile crisis services ensure a health professional is the first point of care for someone in crisis while helping avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.

Therefore, it is necessary that if you need to replace your Medicare card because it’s damaged or lost, log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card.

On the other hand, if you temporarily or permanently change your address, visit your online my Social Security account. Or, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

John Otero

John Otero is an industry practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry. He has held various senior management roles both in the insurance companies and insurance brokers during this span of time. He began his insurance career in 2004 as an office assistant at an agency in her hometown of Duluth, MN. He got licensed as a producer while working at that agency and progressed to serve as an office manager. Working in the agency is how he fell in love with the industry. He saw firsthand the good that insurance consumers experienced by having the proper protection. John has diverse experience in corporate & consumer insurance services, across a range of vocations. His specialties include Major Corporate risk management and insurance programs, and Financial Lines He has been instrumental in making his firm as one of the leading organizations in the country in generating sustainable rapid growth of the company while maintaining service excellence to clients.

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