New or Replaced Medicare ID Card? What You Need to Know
Key Takeaways
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) no longer includes member-based social security numbers (HICN) on ID cards. If your card doesn’t have the Medicare Billing Identifier (MBI) listed, order a new card.
- You can manage changes like address or status with a social security online account.
- If you don’t receive your Medicare ID following auto-enroll in Part AMedicare Part A is hospital insurance, which covers the care you receive while admitted to a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or other inpatient facility. Medicare Part A is part of Original Medicare. , you can expect it 30 days after enrolling in benefits.
If you’re a Medicare recipient, your Medicare ID card unlocks some pretty impressive benefits. But like so many other things, people often don’t look for it until they need it. If you’re new to Medicare — or if you need a Medicare card replacement — here are some basics about getting your Medicare ID card.
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When and How Can I Apply for My Medicare ID Card?
Applying for your new Medicare card is the same as enrolling in Medicare. If you’re an American citizen, or have lived in the country legally for more than five years, you’re eligible to sign up for Medicare if you:
- Are 65 years of age or older.
- Have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for more than 24 consecutive months.
- Have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and require permanent dialysis or a kidney transplant.
- Have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
The most common time to sign up for Medicare is when you turn 65. But you don’t have wait until your actual birthday to enroll. Remember the seven-month rule: You can enroll during your birth month, plus the three months before and the three months after. If your birthday is the first of the month, your window lasts from four months beforehand until two full months after your birth month.
For example, if your birthday is in June, your enrollment window opens at the beginning of March and closes at the end of September.
If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you become eligible for Medicare, you may be enrolled automatically.
When do I receive my Medicare ID Card?
When you receive your Medicare card depends on how you signed up.
- If you are automatically enrolled: Your Medicare card should be mailed roughly three months before you turn 65, or during the 25th month of receiving disability benefits.
- If you enroll yourself: New cards typically arrive 3-4 weeks after enrollment. If your new card hasn’t arrived within 30 days, contact your Social Security office to verify your mailing address. Enrolling in Medicare at the beginning of your seven-month window helps avoid delays and makes sure your card is in hand when your coverage begins.
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Who do I contact if my Medicare ID Card is lost or stolen?
The Social Security Administration handles Medicare Card replacements. Consumers can contact the agency for a replacement in several ways. They include:
Request a replacement Medicare card online
To request a replacement card online, you’ll need to log into your mySocialSecurity account. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to sign up. Once you’re logged in, select the “Replacement documents” tab and click “Mail my replacement Medicare card.” Your replacement card will be mailed to your address on file.
Request a replacement Medicare card over the phone
If you’d prefer to request your new Medicare card over the phone, you can call the Social Security Administration.
- Phone: 1-800-772-1213
- Mon. to Fri.; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Request a replacement Medicare card in person
Customers with limited phone and internet access can visit their local Social Security office to request a replacement card in-person. Visit the Social Security Office Locator to check your local office’s location and hours.
What is “mySocialSecurity” account?
The Social Security Administration designed the mySocialSecurity website as an online portal to access and change your personal information. Now, beneficiaries can revise and access their information without having to wait in a lobby or on the phone. By creating a mySocialSecurity account, you can:
- Access your Social Security statement and benefits.
- Change your address and phone number.
- Check status of applications.
- Report wages.
- Start or change direct deposit.
- Request replacement Medicare cards.
Why does my Medicare ID card come from Social Security and not Medicare?
Do I automatically receive a Medicare ID card if I start receiving Social Security retirement benefits for a disability?
You will receive a Medicare card once you’ve received disability payments from Social Security for 24 months.
Should my Social Security number be displayed on my Medicare ID card?
Your Medicare identification number should not show your Social Security number. If you’ve been enrolled in Medicare for a few years and your member-based Social Security number (HICN) is still shown on your Medicare card, you should order a replacement immediately.
The Social Security Administration stopped using customers’ social security numbers as Medicare ID numbers to protect private data. And while new numbers called Medical Billing Identifiers (MBI) were issued and replacement cards were mailed, many Medicare beneficiaries are still using outdated cards showing their Social Security numbers. If this is you, request a new card for security reasons.
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Sources
- Your Medicare Card. Medicare.gov.
- Sign In or Create an Account. SSA. gov.
- Social Security Office Locator. SSA.gov.
- Getting Medicare if you have a disability. Medicare.gov.
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