How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Medicare Card
If your Medicare card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it for free. The fastest option is to log in to your secure account at Medicare.gov and select "Print My Medicare Card" to print or view a copy right away. To get a new card mailed to you, sign in to your "my Social Security" account and request a replacement Medicare card, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). A mailed card arrives in about 30 days, and you can request one replacement every 30 days. Replacement cards are always free.
Fastest option: print your card online now
If you need proof of your Medicare coverage today, you do not have to wait for the mail. When you log in to your secure account at Medicare.gov, you can select "Print My Medicare Card" and print or view a copy immediately. This is handy if you forgot your card at a doctor's appointment or it has gone missing.
If you have never set up an account, you can create one for free. Medicare uses one of three identity-verification services to sign you in: ID.me, Login.gov, or CLEAR. These are secure services that confirm who you are and help prevent fraud. There is a direct page to get or print your card at medicare.gov/my/account-settings/get-my-medicare-card.
A printed copy works to show your provider, but it is a good idea to also order an official replacement card by mail (see below) so you have a permanent one.
- Go to Medicare.gov and log in (or create an account using ID.me, Login.gov, or CLEAR).
- Select "Print My Medicare Card."
- Print the copy or show it on your phone to your doctor or provider.
- There is no cost for this.
Order a replacement card by mail or phone
To get a new physical card mailed to you, most people use the Social Security Administration. Log in to your "my Social Security" account, find the option to replace your Medicare card, and choose "Mail my replacement Medicare card." Before you submit the request, check that the mailing address on file is correct and update it if it is not — otherwise the card could go to an old address.
You can also request a replacement by phone. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Social Security can also help at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
A replacement card requested online arrives in about 30 days. There is no fee for a replacement Medicare card.
- Online: my Social Security account > replace your Medicare card > Mail my replacement Medicare card.
- Confirm or update your mailing address before you submit.
- By phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY 1-877-486-2048.
- Delivery: about 30 days by mail; the card is free.
Request limits and Railroad Retirement Board members
You can request only one replacement card per person in any 30-day period, so try to use the online print option if you need a copy right away while you wait for the mailed card.
If you receive benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) instead of Social Security, do not go through Social Security for a new card. Instead, call the RRB at 1-877-772-5772 to request your replacement Medicare card.
- Limit: one mailed replacement per beneficiary every 30 days.
- RRB beneficiaries: call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.
- Print a copy online in the meantime if you need it sooner.
What's on your Medicare card
Your Medicare card shows your name and a unique Medicare Number, also called the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). Your Medicare Number is NOT your Social Security number. Using a separate identifier helps protect your identity, which is one reason it is important to guard the number carefully.
Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Do not give your Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or another trusted Medicare provider. Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts asking for the number.
- Your card lists your name and your Medicare Number (MBI).
- Your Medicare Number is not your Social Security number.
- Share it only with your doctor or Medicare provider — protect it like a credit card.
If your card is stolen or your number is misused
A lost card is usually low-risk, but if your card was stolen or you believe someone else is using your Medicare Number, take action. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report that someone may be using your number.
If you gave personal information to someone you should not have, or you think you are a victim of identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. To report a suspected case of Medicare or Medicaid fraud, you can also contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) at 1-800-447-8477 (1-800-HHS-TIPS).
Reviewing your Medicare Summary Notices and claims for services you did not receive is a simple way to catch misuse early.
- Possible misuse of your number: call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
- Identity theft or shared info: report at IdentityTheft.gov (FTC).
- Report suspected Medicare/Medicaid fraud: HHS-OIG at 1-800-447-8477 (1-800-HHS-TIPS).
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a replacement Medicare card in the mail?
A replacement Medicare card requested online arrives in about 30 days. If you need proof of coverage sooner, log in to your account at Medicare.gov and select "Print My Medicare Card" to print or show a copy right away.
Is there a fee to replace a Medicare card?
No. Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Medicare card is free, whether you print it online, order it through your my Social Security account, or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
How often can I request a replacement Medicare card?
You can request only one replacement card per beneficiary in any 30-day period. If you need a copy in the meantime, use the online "Print My Medicare Card" option.
Is my Social Security number on my Medicare card?
No. Your Medicare card shows a unique Medicare Number, also called the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), which is different from your Social Security number. This helps protect your identity.
What should I do if I think someone is using my Medicare Number?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report it. If you shared personal information or suspect identity theft, also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov, and you can report suspected fraud to HHS-OIG at 1-800-447-8477.
How do I replace my card if I get Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits?
If you receive RRB benefits, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 to request a replacement Medicare card, rather than going through Social Security.
Sources
Medicare Login Guide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or any government agency. This article is for general information only — confirm current figures and your specific options at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.