How to Get a Replacement Medicare or Insurance Card

Posted: July 17, 2024

Your Medicare or insurance card proves that you have health care coverage and is one of the many important documents you own. Before receiving any medical treatment, you’ll likely have to show your card to prove you have coverage. However, your card may become lost, stolen or misplaced. Luckily, you can easily replace these cards to continue taking advantage of your coverage plan.

How Do You Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

You have several options when it comes to replacing a Medicare card. You can request or print a new copy from your Medicare account online or contact Medicare for more help. You’ll need the following information available:

1. Your name as it appears on your most recent Social Security card
2. Social Security number
3. Date of birth

If you have Medicare coverage through a specific Medicare Advantage plan, you must call your plan carrier to ask for a replacement.

After you request your replacement, the Medicare office will mail your card. It should arrive within 30 days. If you need a new card sooner, such as for a doctor’s appointment or to fill a prescription, you can print a temporary copy at home to serve as proof of Medicare coverage while you wait for your official card.

Can You Replace a Stolen Medicare Card?

You should apply for a new Medicare card as soon as you notice your current card is missing. As you wait for a new card, stay cautious of Medicare fraud. Look over your summary notices or explanation of benefits to verify that all charges and benefits are correct. If you see any unexplained charges or benefits, check with your doctor’s office first for any billing errors. Then, report these charges to the Inspector General’s fraud hotline online or by calling 800-447-8477.

Are Medicare Cards Being Issued for 2024?

Beneficiaries will not receive new Medicare cards in 2024 despite the rising number of scams trying to convince policyholders otherwise. This scam involves policyholders receiving a phone call claiming to be from the Medicare office asking them to verify their Medicare numbers to receive a new card. Medicare will never call you to confirm your number and will not send out new cards unless you specifically request one as a replacement.

These scammers may sound very professional and know a lot of personal information, but they are simply trying to lure you into providing your Medicare information. Some warning signs that a scammer is calling trying to get your Medicare information include:

• Unsolicited calls
• Anyone asking for personal information so they can send you a new card
• Anyone claiming your card is expiring and you will receive a fine if you don’t get a new one
• Anyone saying that Medicare is issuing new cards and they want you to verify your number

Can You Laminate Your Medicare Card?

The Medicare program does not recommend laminating your Medicare card as it can damage certain security features and make scanning or reading the card difficult. If you do not want the card to experience damage, you can add a layer of protection by placing it in a plastic sleeve or cardholder.

How to Keep Your Medicare Card Safe

One of the best ways to keep your Medicare card safe is to store it properly in a secure location like a locked drawer. Some tips on keeping your Medicare card secure include:

• Only take your card to certain locations: Only carry your Medicare card when necessary, like when you visit a health care provider.
• Keep a record: Take a photocopy or picture and store it with other important documents or in a password-protected file so you can access it in an emergency.
• Avoid sharing information: Do not share your Medicare card or information about your Medicare card with anyone who isn’t a health care professional.
• Dispose of old cards: If you request a new Medicare card and find your old one in the meantime, shred it or use another secure method to dispose of it and prevent unauthorized access.
• Do not show your card in public settings: Shield your card as much as possible when using it in public settings such as medical offices or pharmacies.
• Know who needs Medicare information: Not all health care providers or facilities need your Medicare card information. Sometimes, you only need to tell them your Medicare beneficiary identifier (MBI) for billing.

Who Can You Share Your Medicare Card Information With?

Keeping your Medicare card safe also involves knowing who you can or cannot share your card information with. Some people you can share your card information with include:

• Health care providers like doctors, hospitals and pharmacies
• Companies that provide additional insurance coverage such as Medicare supplement or Medicare advantage
• Medicare-approved facilities like diagnostic laboratories
• Authorized representatives to help you with Medicare-related matters
• Medicare customer service representatives who need information to help you with medical needs
• Family members or caregivers who need information to support your medical needs

How Do You Get a New Insurance Card?

Regardless of your insurance plan, you likely received an insurance card to show at doctor’s appointments. If you lose or misplace this card, your first step will be to contact your insurance agency directly to request a new card. Most insurance companies issue new cards within 30 days so you don’t experience any lapse in coverage.

What to Do if You Lose Your Insurance Card?

If you lose your insurance card, call or request a new card from your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance card contains personal information, and someone can use it to get prescriptions or medical care by just using the policy number.

Some ways to prevent losing your insurance card include:

• Treat your insurance card as if it were a credit card.
• Do not let anyone except your physician’s office or pharmacy handle your insurance card.
• Make photocopies of the front and back of your insurance card and leave it somewhere safe in your home.

Take Advantage of Our Online Services at Health for California Insurance Center

Whether you lost, misplaced or damaged your insurance or Medicare card, getting a replacement is simple so you can continue to take full advantage of your health care plan. If you want to explore your options, check out Health for California. We have many insurance choices that fit various needs. Shop and compare to find the right health insurance for you today!