🏥 How to Replace a Medicare Card
Get a new red, white, and blue Medicare card if yours is lost or damaged.
💰
Free
⏱️
About 30 days by mail
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📋 Documents you'll need
- Medicare number (if known)
- Social Security number
- Photo ID for in-person requests
🪜 Step-by-step
- Sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account (or create one).
- Choose 'Replace card' and confirm your mailing address.
- Alternatively, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Your new card arrives by mail within about 30 days; your number and coverage stay the same.
- Destroy the old card if you find it later.
| Estimated cost | Free |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | About 30 days by mail |
Note This guide is general information and procedures, fees, and rules can change and vary by state or agency. The official authority is always the relevant government office and its official website. See our Disclaimer.
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Frequently asked questions
Will my Medicare number change?
No, only the card is reissued; your Medicare Number stays the same.
Can I print proof of Medicare coverage?
Yes, MyMedicare.gov and the 'Who's covered' info can serve as temporary proof.
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