What to Do When You Lose your Medicare Card

Your Medicare card is the one thing that helps confirm you have health care coverage. It is one of the most important cards you will carry around. If it becomes lost, damaged, or stolen, you may have difficulty getting the medical help you need until you get a replacement.

Fortunately, you can request a replacement card through the Social Security Administration. There are also more options available for obtaining a replacement card if you need one in a hurry.

How to Request a Replacement Medicare Card

There are several ways to request a replacement for your lost Medicare Card.

• Request a New Card Online. You can request a replacement for your lost, stolen or damaged Medicare card by visiting the Social Security Administration website. From there, you can submit a request after creating a my Social Security account if you don’t have one already.

• Request a New Card by Phone. You can contact the Social Security Administration by calling them at 1-800-772-1213. They are open Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM in all time zones in the United States.

• Request a New Card in Person. You can request a new Medicare card in person by visiting the Social Security office nearest you.

Alternate Ways to Get Your Replacement Card

If you once worked for the railroad, you can request a new Medicare card by contacting the Railroad Retirement Board. Their phone number is 1-877-772-5772. You can contact them Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9 AM and 3:30 PM, or on Wednesdays between 9 AM and Noon.

How Soon Will Your New Medicare Card Arrive?

Your new Medicare replacement card should arrive in the mail within 30 days after submitting your request. Be sure the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board has your correct mailing address since Medicare sends replacement cards to the address they have on file for you. If you are unsure, you should contact the SSA or RRB to update your address.

How to Get Proof of Coverage Faster

It is possible to request a temporary proof of Medicare while you wait for your new card to arrive. You can receive a letter in the mail that will serve as proof to use for health coverage or prescriptions within ten days of your request.

To learn more about getting a replacement card or resolving other important Medicare issues, contact the professionals with MedicareHaven.com at 1-844-236-0228. Our licensed insurance experts will be happy to answer any questions you have.