Your Medicare card is a sensitive, personal record that should be kept in a safe place at all times. But life happens, and sometimes Medicare cards get lost, stolen, or damaged. Life circumstances can also change, such as your name or address, and a Medicare card may need to be updated. How do you go about replacing or updating your Medicare beneficiary card? Continuing reading to find out.
How Do I Replace My Medicare Card If It Is Damaged, Lost, or Stolen?
Medicare.gov gives clear instructions on how to replace your Medicare card. If your card was lost or damaged, go to Medicare.gov online and log in to your account. From there, you can print an official copy of your Medicare card. If you don’t have a Medicare account, you can create one at the same link where you log in.
The process is different if your card has been stolen or you believe someone else is using your Medicare number. In that case, Medicare instructs you to call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report it. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
Name or Address Changes With Medicare
Changing Your Name With Medicare
Medicare uses the name and address you have on file with the Social Security Administration. To change or correct your name, they tell you to follow the instructions on the Social Security website. This involves filling out and printing an application for a social security card and mailing it, along with certain required documents for proof of identity, to your local Social Security office. It may take between two to four weeks for Social Security to process your application and mail your new Social Security card.
Changing Your Address With Medicare
Changing your address with Social Security (and Medicare) is easier than changing your name. You can do it online. Visit the official Social Security website to create or log in to your my Social Security account. Then, go to the My Profile tab to change your address.
What Should I Know About My Medicare Card?
The Medicare number on your Medicare card is unique to help protect your identity. You should only give your card or number to doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare providers, your insurance company, or a person you trust to deal with Medicare on your behalf.
Be alert for scam artists. They may try to get personal information, such as your Medicare number, from you. Never give your Medicare number to anyone who contacts you by phone or by email or approaches you in person unless you have already given that person permission to do so. Bear in mind that Medicare will never call you uninvited and ask for personal information. In fact, Medicare will only call you in certain limited situations:
- If you are a member of a Medicare health or drug plan, someone from that plan might call you; or
- If you have called and left a message at 1-800-MEDICARE or a representative told you that someone would call you back, you might get a call from Medicare.
If you have questions about Medicare, our friendly agent is always happy to help.