Janell Sluga Medicare & Individual Health Insurance Account Executive View Bio

 Question:

As I am preparing to retire and I can’t find my Medicare card. How do we get a new one?

Answer:

Your original Medicare card is such an important card, but if you aren’t using it as primary insurance, or don’t use it often, then it can get misplaced. Your Medicare card is also made of paper, so it can get destroyed easier than plastic ID cards.

But before I get into the process of how to get a new card, I want to talk about some of the phone calls you might get about this Medicare card. First of all, there are NO plastic or metal Medicare cards EVER. Anyone calling about this is a SCAMMER trying to get your Medicare information from you!

Centers for Medicare Services (CMS) will NEVER call you to verify that you got your new Medicare card! CMS staff will NEVER call you to review your Medicare coverage options! YOU can call THEM to review the options, but THEY DO NOT CALL YOU! Calls asking you about your Medicare number or card are all from either insurance brokers who are trying to unwittingly enroll you into a random plan without your knowledge or permission, or they are fraudsters trying to scam you out of your Medicare information to bill fraudulent charges to your coverage.

So, a real word of caution: do NOT give your Medicare number or other info over the phone when someone calls YOU. Now, onto how to get a new Medicare card.

Getting a replacement Medicare card can be very easy, and there are a few ways to go about it. One of the easiest ways to get a new card is by heading over to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Be prepared to have ID with you, and ideally you should try to bring your birth certificate or Social Security card as well. Once they verify your identity, they can print out a piece of paper with your Medicare number on it, and then you will receive the new card in the mail in about 7 to 14 business days. Then just be sure to watch your mail carefully because it will come in a very unassuming, plain looking envelope. Open ALL of your mail, so don’t throw your card away assuming it’s junk mail!

You can also call the local SSA office to request a new Medicare card be mailed to you. The national SSA number (800-772-1213) is also available to request new Medicare cards. I will say that individuals often state there are significant wait times before your call is answered at SSA offices, both locally and nationally.

Another way to get a new Medicare card is by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. This is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service professionals that answer the phone will ask you some identifying information and then will order your new card for you. They can also tell you the ID # over the phone and you can write it down so you have it immediately.

Another way to get a new Medicare card is to use the medicare.gov website. To get a new Medicare card online, you must establish a username and password on this site. If you haven’t set up a login before losing your card, you may not be able to do this, because you need your Medicare number to do so. If you already have a login created on the medicare.gov website, you simply login, and one of the main buttons is “Order a Replacement Medicare card.” Once ordered, this will take about the same 7 to 14 business days to arrive. Also, from the website, you can print a copy of your Medicare card, so that you have your number immediately. Of course, setting up a Medicare.gov is a great idea anyway, so I’d encourage you to try setting one up as soon as you can!

As mentioned, Medicare cards are just paper – granted they’re a card stock weight, so more durable than normal paper, but it can get damaged relatively easily. Sometimes individuals laminate the Medicare card, which is fine. I also recommend using clear packing tape which many of us have about the house. Cover it with this clear packing tape and it will last longer and hold up better.

I hope this is helpful information, and that you can get your new Medicare card quickly. Remember to watch your mail after ordering by opening everything that comes, and watch for scams by screening your calls!

At Lawley Medicare Solutions, our Medicare and Individual Health Consultants are dedicated to helping you make the most informed decisions about your healthcare needs. We offer personalized service and expert advice tailored to your unique situation. Contact us today by phone or email to schedule a consultation and ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your needs.

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Our licensed Medicare & Individual Health Insurance team can help clients understand the details of Medicare insurance plans, assist with choosing the right benefits and coverage, and provide guidance when life events that affect health coverage occur. For questions, concerns, or to reach Lawley Medicare Solutions, call 716.849.8223.