Your Medicare card is proof that you’re entitled to health benefits under Medicare. It is such an important piece of paper that we put together the following guide about when you should receive your card and what to do if it goes missing.
When you’re enrolled in Medicare, you’ll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail. If you’re automatically enrolled, you’ll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday or your 25th month of getting disability benefits. Your Medicare card shows that you have Medicare health insurance. It shows whether you have Part A (listed as HOSPITAL), Part B (listed as MEDICAL), or both, and the date your coverage begins. If you have Original Medicare, you’ll use it to get your Medicare-covered services. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan, in most cases, you’ll use your plan’s card to get your Medicare-covered services.
You can get all of the Medicare-covered services in this section if you have both Part A and Part B.
Be sure to carry your card with you when you’re away from home. Let your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider see your card when you need hospital, medical or other health services.
5 things to know about your Medicare card
- Your card has a Medicare Number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This helps to protect your identity.
- Your card is paper, which is easier for many providers to use and copy.
- If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare—you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. And, if you have a Medicare drug plan, be sure to keep that card as well. Even if you use one of these other cards, you also may be asked to show your Medicare card, so keep it with you.
- Only give your Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
- If you forget your card, you, your doctor or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.
If you need to replace your card because it’s damaged or lost, log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also use your Medicare account to access your Medicare information anytime, add prescription drugs to help you find and compare health and drug plans in your area, and more.
Contact us to discuss your insurance needs or questions with an agent!
Source: https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-resources/your-medicare-card
