Your Medicare Card

Your Medicare card is a critical piece of identification for accessing Medicare-covered services. Here’s a detailed overview of what your Medicare card includes, how to use it, and important information related to it:

What Your Medicare Card Includes

1. Your Name: The name that matches your Social Security records.
2. Medicare Number: A unique identifier for your Medicare account, often a combination of letters and numbers.
3. Entitled to:
   • Part A (Hospital Insurance): The date your Part A coverage starts.
   • Part B (Medical Insurance): The date your Part B coverage starts.

How to Use Your Medicare Card

• Show Your Card: When visiting doctors, hospitals, or other healthcare providers, show your Medicare card to verify your coverage.
• Providers and Suppliers: Present your card when receiving services from medical providers, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and pharmacies.

Important Information About Your Medicare Card

Receiving Your Medicare Card

• Automatic Enrollment: If you are automatically enrolled in Medicare (e.g., already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits), you will receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of disability benefits.
• Manual Enrollment: If you are not automatically enrolled, you need to apply for Medicare through the Social Security Administration. After your application is processed, you will receive your Medicare card by mail.

Replacing Your Medicare Card

• Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card: You can request a replacement card through the Social Security website, by calling the SSA, or visiting your local Social Security office.
  • Online: Go to MyMedicare.gov and log in to your account to request a new card.
  • Phone: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or TTY 1-877-486-2048.
  • Social Security: Visit your local Social Security office.

Protecting Your Medicare Card

• Keep It Safe: Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Keep it in a safe place and only carry it with you when you need it for medical appointments.
• Guard Your Medicare Number: Protect your Medicare number to prevent fraud and identity theft. Only share your number with trusted healthcare providers.

Using Your Medicare Card with Additional Coverage

• Medicare Advantage Plans: If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), you will use the card from your Medicare Advantage plan instead of your Original Medicare card when accessing services.
• Medicare Part D Plans: If you have a standalone Part D plan for prescription drug coverage, you will use the card provided by your Part D plan at pharmacies.
• Medigap Policies: If you have a Medigap policy, you will use both your Original Medicare card and your Medigap card when receiving services.

Digital Access to Your Medicare Card

• MyMedicare.gov: You can create an account on MyMedicare.gov to access a digital copy of your Medicare card, check your Medicare claims, and manage your benefits.
• Medicare Mobile App: The “Medicare” app, available for smartphones, allows you to view a digital copy of your card and manage your Medicare information on the go.

What to Do If You Have Questions

• Contact Medicare: For questions about your Medicare card, benefits, or coverage, contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or TTY 1-877-486-2048.
• Visit Medicare.gov: The official Medicare website offers comprehensive information and resources to help you understand your benefits and manage your coverage.

By understanding the details and proper use of your Medicare card, you can ensure smooth access to your Medicare-covered services and protect your personal information from misuse.