Lost or Stolen Medicare Card: How to Replace It and Watch Your Bills for Misuse

If your Medicare card is lost or damaged, Medicare.gov says you can log into your secure Medicare account to print or order an official copy, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to have one mailed. If you think someone else is using your Medicare Number, call 1-800-MEDICARE. Then check your claims for services you never got.

How do I get a replacement card?

Medicare.gov lists these ways:

• Online: Log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print your official card or order a copy.
• By phone: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to have a replacement mailed. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
• Railroad Retirement Board benefits: Call the RRB at 1-877-772-5772.
• Through Social Security: Medicare.gov says you can log into your my Social Security account to check your address and order a new card.

Medicare.gov also says you can show your card from your Medicare account to providers when you get care.

Where will the new card be sent?

Medicare.gov says your card, letters, and premium bills are mailed to the address on file with Social Security. If you've moved, update it first, or the new card may go to your old address. See how to change your address with Medicare.

You'll also get a replacement card letter. Medicare.gov says that letter comes when you or someone for you asked for a new card, or when your coverage, Medicare Number, or name changed. If you get one and nobody asked for a new card, call 1-800-MEDICARE to check.

Is my Medicare Number the same as my Social Security Number?

No. Medicare.gov says your card has a Medicare Number unique to you, and it's not your Social Security Number.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, drug plan, or Medigap policy, those cards are separate. Contact the plan to replace them.

What if my card was stolen?

Medicare's fraud booklet says to call 1-800-MEDICARE if your card is lost or you believe someone else is using your Medicare Number.

What to say:

"My Medicare card was [stolen / lost] on about [date]. I'd like a replacement, and I want to know what I should do to protect my Medicare Number. Can you tell me if any claims have come in that I don't recognize?"

If your wallet was stolen with other ID, Medicare.gov says to contact the Federal Trade Commission about identity theft. You can report it at IdentityTheft.gov.

How do I watch for misuse on my bills?

Medicare's fraud booklet describes medical identity theft as someone using your name, Social Security Number, or Medicare Number to send false claims to Medicare.

Check for:

• Visits you never had on your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits.
• Equipment you never got, like a back brace.
• Bills or collection letters from providers you don't know.
• Doctors you've never seen.

Medicare & You says Original Medicare claims are generally available online in your Medicare account within 24 hours after processing. That's faster than waiting for a paper MSN. See using your Medicare account to see claims early.

For more red flags, see Medicare fraud warning signs on your statements.

What if I see a claim I don't recognize?

1. Call the provider first. It may be an honest mistake, like a wrong date or the wrong patient. Medicare.gov suggests calling your provider's office if you think a charge is wrong.
2. Ask for an itemized statement. Medicare & You says providers should give you one within 30 days.
3. If it still looks wrong, call 1-800-MEDICARE.
4. Contact the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for free help. Find yours at smpresource.org or call 1-877-808-2468.

What to say to the provider:

"My Medicare notice shows a claim from you for [service] on [date]. I didn't get this service. Can you check your records and tell me who was seen?"

How do I keep my card safe?

Medicare.gov says:

• Protect your card and number, and check your claims regularly.
• Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or visit you at home.
• Don't give your Medicare Number to people who call, text, or come to your door offering free items or services.

For Original Medicare, Medicare.gov suggests carrying your card when you're away from home. You can also keep a copy in your Medicare account.

Bill Review Coach never asks for your Medicare Number, member ID numbers, or Social Security number.

What if I'm helping a parent?

If your parent lost their card:

• Help them order a replacement online or by phone. They may need to be on the call, or give permission for you to speak for them. See how to get permission to talk to Medicare for a parent.
• Look at their MSNs for a few months after the loss.
• Talk with them about scam calls asking for their number.

Frequently asked questions

How do I replace a lost Medicare card?

Print or order an official copy in your secure Medicare account, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. RRB beneficiaries call 1-877-772-5772.

Is my Medicare Number my Social Security Number?

No. Your Medicare Number is unique to you and isn't your Social Security Number.

What if someone is using my Medicare Number?

Call 1-800-MEDICARE. For identity theft, contact the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.

How can I check for misuse?

Review your MSNs and check claims in your Medicare account, where they generally show up within 24 hours after processing.

Watch your statements every month

Bill Review Coach is a monthly medical bill review service for seniors and their families. Upload your first bill free, no card needed. Snap a photo of your Medicare notice or bill, and you'll get back a plain-English summary of anything that looks unfamiliar and what to say. Refer a friend and you both get a free month once they join the paid plan. You make the calls and write the emails; we help you know what to say.