Lost Your Medicare Card? How to Replace It Safely and Protect Your Medicare Number

You can replace a lost or damaged Medicare card by signing in to your secure Medicare account or calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
If you have Medicare Advantage, use your plan’s member card for most medical care and keep your red, white, and blue Medicare card in a safe place.
Medicare won’t unexpectedly call to demand your Medicare number, payment, or personal information for a replacement card.

What to do if your Medicare card is lost or damaged

A missing Medicare card is inconvenient, but replacing it is straightforward. The safest options are to sign in to your secure Medicare account and print or order an official replacement, or call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Your Medicare card contains a unique Medicare Number, which is different from your Social Security number. Treat that number like sensitive financial information. Don’t post a photo of the card online, leave it visible in a wallet you rarely use, or give the number to an unexpected caller.

For most people, the fastest online route is to sign in to Medicare.gov and choose the option to print your Medicare card. You can also request that a replacement be mailed to you.

How to replace a Medicare card online

Use the official Medicare account rather than a search advertisement, an unfamiliar text message, or a link sent by email. If you already have an account, sign in. If you don’t, create one through the official Medicare login page.

Open the official Medicare account sign-in page.
Sign in or create your secure account.
Choose the option to print your Medicare card or request an official replacement.
Check that your information is correct before submitting a mailing request.
Save or print the temporary copy if you need proof of coverage before the replacement arrives.

If you can’t use the online account, call 1-800-MEDICARE at 1-800-633-4227. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Medicare can help you request a replacement card by phone.

People who receive Railroad Retirement Board benefits should contact the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 instead. TTY users can call 1-312-751-4701.

View the official Medicare card replacement instructions

Which card should you use at the doctor?

The right card depends on how you receive your Medicare coverage.

Your coverage	Card to use	What to remember
Original Medicare	Your red, white, and blue Medicare card	Show it to doctors, hospitals, and other Medicare providers.
Medicare Advantage	Your Medicare Advantage plan member card	Use the plan card for most Medicare-covered services.
Medicare drug plan	Your prescription drug plan card	Show it when filling prescriptions.
Medigap or other supplemental coverage	Your Medicare card and supplemental plan card	You may need both cards when receiving care.

If you have Medicare Advantage, losing the red, white, and blue card usually won’t stop you from using your plan. Use your Medicare Advantage card for most care, and contact the plan if you also need a replacement member card.

Keep the Medicare card in a secure place even when you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage. You may need it if you switch plans, return to Original Medicare, enroll in another type of coverage, or receive certain services such as hospice care.

What changes when you receive a replacement card?

A replacement card generally does not change your Medicare coverage or benefits. If Medicare sent a new card because your Medicare Number, name, or coverage changed, follow the instructions that came with it and begin using the new card right away.

If you receive a new card after requesting one, securely destroy the old card. Don’t simply throw it into an open recycling bin where someone could read your Medicare Number. Shred it or cut it into small pieces first.

A replacement Medicare card also does not replace your Medicare Advantage, Part D, Medicaid, or Medigap plan card. Keep using those cards according to the instructions from each plan.

How to spot a Medicare-number scam

Scammers often use a lost-card situation as an excuse to contact people. A caller may claim that your Medicare card is expiring, that your benefits will be canceled, or that you must confirm your Medicare Number to receive a new card.

That’s a warning sign. Medicare says you shouldn’t give your Medicare Number or other personal information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly by phone, email, text, or in person. Be especially cautious if the person asks for:

Your Medicare Number, Social Security number, or date of birth
Your bank account or credit card information
Payment for a replacement Medicare card
A gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency payment, or cash
Remote access to your computer or phone

Caller ID isn’t proof that a call is legitimate. Scammers can make a call appear to come from a government number or use official-sounding names and employee identification numbers.

What to do with a suspicious call

Hang up without confirming any personal information.
Don’t call back the number displayed on caller ID or the number provided by the caller.
Contact Medicare yourself using 1-800-MEDICARE.
Review your Medicare Summary Notice and plan statements for unfamiliar services or equipment.
Report suspected fraud to Medicare and the Federal Trade Commission.

If you already shared your Medicare Number, contact Medicare as soon as possible and explain what happened. If you gave out bank, credit card, or Social Security information, contact the relevant financial institution or agency as well.

Report suspected Medicare fraud or abuse

Common problems and safer alternatives

“I need my card today.”

If you have Original Medicare, a printed copy from your secure Medicare account may help when a provider needs your Medicare information. You can also ask Medicare about your options by phone. A provider may be able to verify your coverage electronically, but don’t assume every office uses the same process.

“A caller says I must pay for a new card.”

Don’t pay. Medicare cards are replaced through official Medicare channels, and an unexpected demand for money is a scam warning. End the call and contact Medicare yourself.

“My Medicare Advantage card is missing too.”

Contact your Medicare Advantage plan using the member-services number on a plan document, the plan’s official website, or your secure plan account. Medicare replaces the red, white, and blue card, but your private plan issues its own member card.

“My name or address is wrong.”

Medicare uses information connected to your Social Security record. If your legal name or address has changed, update the appropriate record through Social Security before requesting a replacement when possible. If you’re unsure which agency needs the change, call Medicare or Social Security through an official number rather than responding to an unsolicited message.

Your next safe action is simple: use the official Medicare account or call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself. Don’t use a link or phone number supplied by an unexpected caller.

Helpful Links

Your Medicare Card – Confirm replacement options, card use, Medicare Number protections, and official contact information.
Medicare Account Sign In – Sign in to print or request an official replacement Medicare card.
How to Get Medicare Services – Check which Medicare or plan card to bring when receiving care or filling prescriptions.
How to Avoid a Government Impersonation Scam – Learn how Medicare impersonation scams work and what to do after a suspicious contact.
Report Fraud to the Federal Trade Commission – Submit a report about an impersonation scam or suspected identity theft.
Reporting Medicare fraud & abuse – Official page referenced in the article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does replacing my Medicare card change my Medicare Number?

A. Usually, requesting a replacement because the card was lost or damaged does not change your Medicare Number. If Medicare sends a new card because your Medicare Number, name, or coverage changed, use the new card and securely destroy the old one.

Q. Can I use a photocopy or photo of my Medicare card?

A. A provider may accept a printed copy or other proof of coverage, but policies vary. If you need immediate help, sign in to your secure Medicare account to print an official copy or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Q. What if I gave my Medicare Number to a scammer?

A. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE and explain what happened. Watch your Medicare Summary Notices and plan statements for services or equipment you didn’t receive. Also report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission, especially if you shared other identity or financial information.

Q. Will Medicare call me about a replacement card?

A. Medicare generally won’t call you unexpectedly to ask for your Medicare Number, bank details, payment, or other private information for a replacement card. If you receive an unsolicited call, hang up and contact Medicare using 1-800-MEDICARE.