What you should know
When do you get your Medicare card?
Once you have applied and have been accepted into the Medicare program, you’ll receive a membership card. You can expect your Medicare card to arrive about three weeks from the date of approval. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be enrolled automatically. Your Medicare card should arrive about two months prior to your 65th birthday.
How to get your Medicare card
When you’ll receive your Medicare card
The timing of your Medicare card depends on your enrollment status. Below is a list of arrival times based on your status:
How do you use and understand your Medicare card?
What your Medicare card will look like
Once you have been accepted into the Medicare program, the next step is to receive your Medicare card. Your Medicare card acts as the card that you use at the healthcare facilities. It has a unique number with your name on it, along with your Medicare Part A and, if you have it, Part B effective dates.
How to use your Medicare card for coverage
When you receive your card, present it to your doctor’s office staff. This is your proof of insurance and the health provider will keep a copy of your card on file. Even though the health provider has your Medicare information, you want to keep your card safe and accessible at all times.
How to use your Medicare Advantage Plan card
If you decide to enroll into a Medicare Advantage Plan, your coverage is considered primary. You will have two cards, an Original Medicare card and a Medicare Advantage Card. Since Medicare Advantage is your primary coverage, it’s only necessary to present your MA card to your healthcare provider.
How to use your Medicare Part D card
You have the option of keeping Original Medicare as your primary coverage. However, you may want to combine prescription coverage with your health insurance coverage. Your next step would be to find and purchase a stand-alone prescription drug plan to accompany your Original Medicare coverage.
How to protect your Medicare card and avoid Medicare scams
The best way to protect yourself is to treat your Medicare card like your Social Security card. Your Medicare number should only be revealed to doctors and people who you trust. Don’t reveal information to unknown people who reach out to you via email, text, or phone calls. Keep track of your appointments and labs so that you can compare your list with your Medicare statements. Doing those things will maximize your safety and protect you.
How do you get a replacement Medicare card?
Medicare consultant
Leron Moore has guided Medicare beneficiaries and their families as a Medicare professional since 2007. First as a Medicare provider enrollment specialist and now a Medicare account executive, Moore works directly with Medicare beneficiaries to ensure they understand Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans.
Moore holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University and is A+ Certified with a Medical Records Clerk Certification and Medical Terminology Certification from Midlands Technical College.
He’s passionate about educating, informing, and resolving issues concerning Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans, and considers it imperative that he does all he can to educate and inform the senior community as much as possible about Medicare.
Sources
Medicare is Australia's universal health scheme – Service NSW does not deliver any Medicare related services. You access Medicare via the Medicare website or a Medicare Service Centre. If you
lose your Medicare card or it gets damaged or stolen, you can replace it by: About
myGovIntroduction
Links
Back to top
Last updated: 11 April 2022
Visit Medicare
You'll be taken to another website.