Whenever you go to the doctor or need other medical services, you have to bring your handy-dandy Medicare card.

In fact, the federal government recommends always carrying it in your wallet or pocketbook.  This is because your card has a lot of important information for your healthcare providers—like your full name, Medicare ID number, coverage dates, and coverage information.

As of April 2019, all current members received a replacement card in the mail. But if you’re just now joining, you’ll need a new Medicare card.

Today all cards are paper, while cards issued prior to 2019 were plastic. Paper cards save taxpayers like you quite a bit of money! Your card will also have a unique number that’s different from your Social Security number. So far, this doesn’t sound too complicated, right? It’s true that once you have your new Medicare card, all you really have to do is make sure you have it before you leave home. But actually getting your card—whether you need a new one or a replacement—can be a bit overwhelming.

How do I get my Medicare Card?

The process of getting a new Medicare card may differ depending on your situation. You may even be automatically enrolled in Medicare! Let’s take a look at the 5 possible ways you can receive yours: 

If you currently receive disability benefits…

Good news! Medicare enrollment is automatic for you. After receiving 24 months of disability benefits, you’ll get your Medicare card. It typically arrives via mail during the 25th month you receive disability benefits. You may also be directed to download it and print it out yourself.

If you’ve received 25 months (or more) of disability benefits but haven’t gotten your Medicare card, we recommend contacting them at 1-800-MEDICARE.

If you currently receive retirement benefits…

You’re in luck in this scenario, too! If you already get retirement benefits, you should receive your Medicare card via mail 3 months prior to your 65th birthday. It’ll be mailed to the address you have on file with Social Security Administration, or you may be directed to download it from the Medicare website directly.

If you’ve recently celebrated your 65th birthday but haven’t received your Medicare card, we recommend contacting them at 1-800-MEDICARE.

If you are almost 65 but don’t yet receive retirement benefits…

This is one of the only situations in which you have to apply for Medicare yourself. In this case, you have to enroll in Medicare during your specific enrollment period.

Your enrollment period lasts 6 months: 3 months preceding your 65th birthday, and the 3 months following it. Most folks collect Social Security benefits before turning 65, in which case your Medicare enrollment happens automatically.

If you don’t get these benefits before turning 65, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare online or contact the Social Security office during your enrollment period.

If you have Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS)…

You can rest easy knowing your Medicare enrollment is automatic. Your disability and Medicare benefits should both kick in during the same month, there’s no waiting period. You should receive your card in the mail approximately 30 days after your automatic enrollment.

Your Medicare card is sent to the same address used for your disability-related mail. If you don’t receive your card after 30 days, we recommend logging in to your Social Security online account. You may be able to print it out from your online Medicare account as well.

While logged in, you can make sure they have the correct address on file—plus make corrections if needed. You can also call them toll-free at 1-800-772-1213, or 1-800-325-0779 for TTY users.

If you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)…

This is the second scenario in which you have to apply for Medicare yourself. You’re allowed to enroll in both Medicare Parts A and B as soon as you get diagnosed… regardless of your age.

Once you apply for Medicare, you should receive your card via mail within 30 days. You may also have the option to print it out at home.

If you don’t receive your new Medicare card after 30 days, we recommend contacting them at 1-800-MEDICARE.

In short… To apply for your new Medicare card, you must apply for Medicare. Simple, right? If you don’t meet the qualifications for automatic enrollment, apply using one of these options:

·         Visit the Social Security website to apply for Medicare online

·         Visit your local Social Security office to apply in person

·         Apply via phone by calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (1-800-325-0778 for TTY users)

·         If you’re a railroad worker, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 (1-312-751-4701 for TTY users)

What does a Medicare Card look like?

As we mentioned earlier, today new Medicare cards are paper. They’re mostly white, with a blue header and a red footer. In the white space, you’ll see your name, Medicare number, coverage dates, and coverage information—like Part A, Part B, etc.

Your red, white and blue card will also have the words “Medicare Health Insurance” in big letters across the top, so you can easily identify it when needed.

Some folks may have enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans, switching from original Medicare. If you have a PFFS, PPO, or HMS, you fall into this category. You’ll receive a Medicare Advantage Plan card in the mail instead.

There is no standard format or appearance for Medicare Advantage cards. They’re typically styled however the insurance provider chooses.

Can you laminate your Medicare Card?

Technically, yes, it’s legal for you to laminate your Medicare card… but the federal government advises against doing so.

Why? Well, your healthcare provider will most likely make a copy of your card for their records. Trying to scan or copy a laminated Medicare card can be nearly impossible—because the lamination causes a glare during copying, making it nearly illegible.

But truthfully, you’re wise to think about protecting your Medicare card. We recommend purchasing a clear (or “see-through”) plastic ID cardholder. You can find options that fit nicely into your wallet or purse, or lanyard style for quick access.

Do Medicare Cards expire?

Generally speaking, no, your Medicare card won’t expire. For the vast majority of people, continuing to pay your annual Medicare premiums will automatically renew your coverage. You’ll also notice there are no coverage end dates on your card, only coverage start dates.

Basically, the government has tried to make it as easy as possible to utilize Medicare. But there are a couple of exceptions to the automatic renewal process.

Sometimes, your Medicare coverage changes due to new laws and regulations. But don’t stress– you’ll be notified directly if any laws or regulations change your coverage. You’ll also need a new Medicare card if you switch from Medicare Advantage back to the original Medicare program.

Medicare Parts A and B will renew automatically, so long as you pay your premiums. So will your Medicare card for these programs. But do keep in mind that you’ll need to request a new Medicare card if you choose to switch.

How to get a replacement Medicare Card?

Especially since they’re made of paper, you may find yourself needing a replacement Medicare card, for example if your old card gets lost or damaged. Fortunately, the federal government made it nice and simple to remedy this situation.

All you have to do is log into your online Medicare account at MyMedicare.gov and replace your Medicare card online by printing off an official copy. If you haven’t ever logged in, you can first create an online Medicare account. You can also call Medicare for assistance at 1-800-MEDICARE, or 1-877-486-2048 for TTY users.

You may also find yourself needing a new Medicare card due to a name change. Your card will always show the same name as your Social Security account, and you can contact the Social Security office to update your name for both.

How can I get my Medicare Number without my card?

It’s so stressful when you need your Medicare number but can’t find your card. We get it! Luckily, the government has made it really easy to get your Medicare number even if you don’t have your card handy.

You have 2 ways to get this information. First, you can sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account. From there, you can view your number and even print off a new copy, if needed.

If you haven’t made an account before, you should be able to do so using your full name and Social Security number. Once your account is created, you’ll have access to your Medicare number and the ability to print out your Medicare card.

Your second option is to call 1-800-MEDICARE, or 1-877-486-2048 for TTY users. You’ll go through some prompts to verify your identity, and you should have your Medicare number in no time. You can also use this opportunity to make sure all of your information is listed correctly, like your address.

In addition, there is a new Medicare enrollment platform called hellahealth.com where you can create an account and define your unique medical needs to find out if you would be better off by replacing Original Medicare with Medicare Advantage or if you should keep Original Medicare but add coverage (e.g., prescription drugs, supplemental insurance). Your account becomes your personal secure repository of health insurance needs where you can also safely store your Medicare ID number if you choose to do so, allowing you to consult it any time you need it.

•June 9, 2022