How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Medicare Card

If you have lost your Medicare card, it’s very easy to replace. The federal government gives you both telephone, in-person and online options to replace your card.

To report a lost or stolen card:

• ·         Call the National Social Security Hotline at 1-800-722-1213
• ·         Or go to your nearest Social Security office
• ·         Provide your name, SS number and your birth date

The Social Security office will verify your enrollment card out to you. You should receive the card usually within 30 days.

To apply for a new card online, got to the Social Security website to replace the card online.

If you are a railroad retiree, you can contact the Railroad Retirement Board.

Replacing Medicare Advantage or Part D Cards

Be aware that if you switched out of Original Medicare into a Medicare Advantage plan, then you should must call the plan directly to order a new ID card. Social Security does not handle calls for Medicare Advantage plan card replacements, or for Part D card replacements.

Check your initial enrollment paperwork for these plans to find the member services number, or contact the agent that enrolled you into the plan for help. Insurance companies can generally reprint and send you a new card within 10 – 14 business days.

People enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans should always present their Medicare Advantage ID card to their providers. There is no reason to carry your Medicare card if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Put your red, white and blue Medicare card away at home in a safe place with your other financial documents. This will help prevent it from being lost or stolen.

About Medicare Fraud

If you believe that your Medicare card was stolen, it’s important that you monitor your Medicare Summary notices for a few months to see if there are any fraudulent bills. It’s possible for someone to use your Medicare card to obtain healthcare services in your name.

Visit the Medicare Senior Patrol website to find instructions on how to read your summary notice and spot fraudulent charges. If you need help with reviewing your summary notices, the Senior Patrol also offers assistance. You can find office locations on their website.

Report any Medicare fraud that you find to fraud hotline at 1-800-447-8477.

Some good news is that new Medicare cards are coming soon. As part of the MACRA legislation in 2015, Congress mandated that social security numbers be removed from Medicare cards. This is a measure to prevent identity theft for the 58 million people on Medicare.

Everyone on Medicare will receive a new Medicare card in late Spring of 2018. Your new Medicare number will include both numbers and uppercase letters. When you receive your new card, you should contact your Medicare supplement and Part D companies to give them your new number.

You should also be sure to notify your doctors and present your new Medicare card at your next appointment so that your doctor’s office can update their records. This will help prevent billing issues down the road. There will be a 21-month transition period to help all healthcare providers have plenty of time to update records.

Beware of scammers. No one from your insurance will call you asking for these numbers. If someone calls you and asks for your number, hang up.