How to replace a lost or stolen Medicare card

The fastest way to replace it

Sign in at Medicare.gov, go to 'My Account,' and select 'Print/Order a replacement Medicare card.' You can download and print an official PDF immediately — most providers accept it.

A new paper card is mailed within 30 days at no cost.

Other ways to request it

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), available 24/7.

Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov and request the card there — useful if you're not enrolled in a Medicare online account yet.

Visit a local Social Security office as a last resort; walk-ins are rarely same-day.

Why you should never carry the physical card

The Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) on the card is what identity thieves use to bill fraudulent claims — and Medicare fraud costs beneficiaries and taxpayers billions each year.

Carry a photocopy with all but the last 4 digits blacked out, or use the digital card from Medicare.gov.

If someone else took your card

Report the theft at 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare will monitor for suspicious billing and issue a new MBI in specific fraud cases.

File a police report if the theft was part of a bigger identity theft — you'll need the report number for banks and insurers.

Medicare Advantage / Part D cards

Those are private plan cards, not from Medicare itself. Contact the plan directly (the number is on the back of the card, on your enrollment letter, or in your plan portal).

You'll need both the Medicare card and the private plan card for most pharmacy visits.