What to do if you’ve lost your Medicare card

Your Medicare card is an important little piece of plastic. It proves that you have Medicare insurance and helps you to get medical services and other insurance coverage. If you were to lose your card, do you know how to get a replacement?

Losing your Medicare card can be a real headache, but if you do lose it, you have a few options. The option you choose will depend on how urgently you need the replacement card.

I need a new card right now!

If you need your card immediately, for a doctor’s visit or a prescription, your best bet is to visit your local Social Security office. Someone in the office can help you.

I need my card within the next few weeks

You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, weekdays from 7am - 7pm. Be aware that hold times can be long, so call early or later in the day if you can. They can mail a letter which shows your proof of Medicare coverage, which you should have in about 10 days.

I need a new card, but there’s no rush

You may visit the Social Security website to request a replacement card. You’ll need to create an account on the website, or sign in if you already have one.

After signing in, click the tab at the top that reads “Numbers and Cards”. Under that you should see “Replacement Medicare Card”. From there, choose “Mail my replacement Medicare Card.”

If you don’t have internet access or prefer to speak with a person, you can either visit your local Social Security office, or call 1-800-772-1213.

Your card will arrive in around 30 days. It will go to the address they have on file, so if you’ve moved recently you’ll want to make sure they have the correct address on file.

Hopefully you’ll never lose your card, but now you’ll be prepared if you do.