Wondering How to Get a Medicare Replacement Card?
You’ve lost your wallet—ugh! Or maybe it was stolen. Possibly a beloved pet mistook your wallet for a chew toy. Regardless of how you got here, you now need to know how to cancel your credit cards, apply for a new driver’s license and how to get a Medicare replacement card.
Your Medicare card contains important information pertaining to your insurance coverage. You can’t be without it for appointments and prescriptions. And, like a credit card, the number on your Medicare card is personal and can allow someone else to access your insurance benefits. So let’s learn how to get a Medicare replacement card … quickly!
How to get a Medicare replacement card
Option #1. Log into your Social Security account
The easiest and fastest solution for how to get a Medicare replacement card is through your online Social Security account. If you don’t have an account, you can easily create one on the Social Security Administration website.
Before you request your replacement card, confirm that your address and contact information are up to date. This ensures your new Medicare card will get to you without delay. If all goes well, you’ll receive your replacement card within 30 days of your request.
Option #2. Contact Social Security directly
In rare cases, there may be an issue preventing you from completing the online form. Or what if you don’t have a Social Security account and don’t want to create one? We know, a new account is yet another username and password to remember! Maybe you simply prefer to interact with a real person. In any of these situations, you can contact the Social Security Administration directly for help.
Your first step is to reach out by phone at 1-800-772-1213. The automated telephone services system is available and can walk you through how to get a Medicare replacement card. If you need to speak to a person, you can be connected to either your local office or the National Social Security office. To minimize your wait time, call later in the week and later in the day.
Although in-person appointments are limited and discouraged, most Social Security locations have regular office hours on weekdays. So, if customer service can’t help you over the phone, they will help you schedule an appointment.
If you have Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, you may have a special insurance card. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to request a replacement card.
Need a Medicare replacement card in less than 30 days?
Of course, you can’t always plan ahead. You might need your replacement Medicare card sooner than 30 days. So if you have a medical appointment in two weeks, don’t worry. There are ways around the 30-day waiting period.
Contact the Social Security Administration directly. They will provide you with a letter to use in place of your Medicare card for appointments or prescriptions. Typically, you’ll receive this letter at your mailing address within 10 days. Contact Social Security right away to make sure you’re covered for those important appointments and prescriptions!
Need your Medicare card right away?
You might ask: what if I lose my card today and I have an appointment tomorrow? Good question! If you need your Medicare card immediately, contact your local Social Security office for assistance.
Questions or concerns about how to get a Medicare replacement card? Call us at 877.255.6273.
photo credit: shutterstock/fizkes
