Your Medicare Card: overview and FAQs

Whenever you go to the doctor or need other medical services, you must take your handy-dandy ID card for your Medicare coverage.

If you have Original Medicare, carry your Medicare card (red, white and blue card) with you when you’re away from home. And show this card to health care providers when you get services. If you have a Medicare Part D drug plan or Medigap to go with your Original Medicare coverage, be sure to take those cards also.

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan or other Medicare health plan, carry that plan’s ID card for services, not your Medicare card.

All Medicare cards today are paper while cards issued prior to 2019 were plastic. Cards were updated to paper due to costs and save taxpayers quite a bit of money.

Newer ID cards now have a unique number that’s different from the member’s Social Security number older cards included.

You’ll need the information on your Medicare card to join a Medicare health or drug plan. Or to buy Medicare Supplement Insurance (also called Medigap). So, keep the card in a safe place when at home.

How do I get my Medicare Card?

The process of getting a 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 your card. 

If you currently receive disability benefits…

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

If you don’t receive your card automatically, contact Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

If you currently receive retirement benefits…

If you already get retirement benefits, you should receive your Medicare card via mail 3 months prior to the month you turn 65. It’s sent to the address you have on file with the Social Security Administration. You may be directed to download it from the Medicare website.

If you recently turned 65 and haven’t received your Medicare card, contact Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

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

You must enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).

IEP lasts 7 months. It starts 3 months before your birth month of turning 65, and includes the birth month, and the 3 months following it.

You can 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 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, log in to your Social Security online account. You may be able to print your card from your online Medicare account.

Be sure Social Security has the correct address on file. Plus make corrections to your account if needed. You can also call Social Security toll-free: 1-800-772-1213. (TTY users can call 1-800-325-0779).

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

If you have ESRD, you apply for Medicare both Medicare Parts A and B as soon as you get diagnosed.

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, contact Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

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 by phone by calling the Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users call: 1-800-325-0778).
• If you’re a railroad worker, call the Railroad Retirement Board: 1-877-772-5772 (TTY users call: 1-312-751-4701).

What does a Medicare Card look like?

Today’s Medicare cards are paper. They’re mostly white, with a blue header and a red footer. In the white space, is the member’s name, Medicare number, coverage dates and coverage information—like Part A, Part B, etc.

The red, white and blue card will also have the words “Medicare Health Insurance” in big letters across the top.

Those who enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans as an alternative to Original Medicare, receive a Medicare Advantage Plan card in the mail.

There is no standard format or appearance for Medicare Advantage cards. They’re typically styled however the insurance provider chooses. You’ll use your MA plan’s card to get services, not your red, white and blue Medicare card. Keep your Medicare card in a safe place in case you switch plans or go back to Original Medicare later.

Can you laminate your Medicare Card?

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

Why? Your health care provider will make a copy of your card for their records. Trying to scan or copy a laminated card can be difficult.

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?

No, your Medicare card won’t expire. For the vast majority of people, continuing to pay your Medicare premiums automatically renews coverage. You’ll also notice there’s no coverage end dates on your card, only start dates.

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.

How to get a replacement Medicare Card?

If your Medicare card gets lost or damaged, you can easily get a replacement. All you have to do is log into your online Medicare account: MyMedicare.gov. Get your replacement card online by printing off an official copy. If you don’t have an account, you can create an online Medicare account. You can also call Medicare for assistance: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

You may also need a new Medicare card due to a name change. Your card shows the same name as your Social Security account. You can contact the Social Security office to update your name for Social Security and Medicare.

How can I get my Medicare Number without my card?

It’s 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. You can then view your number and print off a new copy if needed.

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

Your second option is to call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. You’ll go through prompts to verify your identity. And you’ll have your Medicare number in no time. You can also use this opportunity to make sure all your information listed is correct, like your address.

In addition, there’s a new Medicare enrollment platform called attainhealth.com. You can create an account and define your medical needs to find out if you would be better replacing Original Medicare with Medicare Advantage. Or if you should keep Original Medicare but add coverage (e.g., prescription drugs (Part D), Medicare Supplement Insurance). Your account becomes your personal secure repository of health insurance needs. You can also safely store your Medicare ID number if you choose to do so. You can access your information any time you want.