Medicare Card
Updated September 2026 · 2026 figures from CMS and Medicare.gov
Your Medicare card is the red, white and blue paper card that proves you have Original Medicare. It shows your name, your Medicare number and the dates your Part A and Part B coverage started. A replacement is free: print one from your Medicare.gov account, or request one by phone or through Social Security.
What's on your Medicare card
- Your name as it appears in Social Security's records
- Your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) — an 11-character number that is not your Social Security number
- Whether you have hospital (Part A) and/or medical (Part B) coverage, and the start dates
Since 2018–2019, Medicare cards no longer show your Social Security number, to protect you from identity theft.
How to get a replacement Medicare card
- Online, fastest: log in to your Medicare.gov account and print an official copy right away, or order a new card to be mailed.
- Through Social Security: request a replacement through your my Social Security account.
- By phone: call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).
- Railroad Retirement beneficiaries: contact the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.
A mailed card arrives in about 30 days, at the address Social Security has on file. If you've moved, update your address with Social Security first.
Which card to show
- Original Medicare: show your Medicare card, plus your Medigap and Part D cards if you have them.
- Medicare Advantage: show your plan's card; keep your Medicare card safe at home for occasional needs.
Protect your card
Treat your Medicare number like a credit card. Medicare will never call you uninvited to ask for your number, to "activate" a card or to send you a new plastic or metal card — new cards are free and mailed automatically when needed. Report suspicious calls to 1-800-MEDICARE.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a replacement Medicare card?
Print one from your Medicare.gov account, request one through Social Security, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. It's free.
Is there a fee to replace a Medicare card?
No. Replacement Medicare cards are always free.
Does my Medicare card have my Social Security number?
No. Current cards use an 11-character Medicare Beneficiary Identifier instead.
Do I need a new Medicare card each year?
No. Your card doesn't expire.