If you are taking care of someone who receives Medicare benefits, you might wonder what to do if their Medicare card gets lost, stolen, or damaged. The good news is that you can help them get a new card without much stress. Here is everything you need to know, explained in a very simple and clear way.
How to request a new Medicare card for a beneficiary
If you are a representative payee or authorized person for the Medicare beneficiary, you can request a new Medicare card online. The easiest and fastest way to do this is by using your my Social Security account.
Here is how you can do it:
- Log in to your my Social Security account.
- Go to Representative Payee Services.
- On the right side of the page, click on Medicare Replacement Card.
- Check if the mailing address on file is correct. If it is not, update it before you submit the request.
Once you have completed these steps, the new Medicare card will be mailed to the address on file. Usually, it takes about 30 days to arrive.
How long does it take to receive a new Medicare card?
A lot of people want to know how long they will have to wait after requesting a new card. Here is what you should expect:
- The new Medicare card will typically arrive in 30 days.
- It will be mailed to the representative payee’s address on file.
- You can only request one replacement card per beneficiary in a 30-day period.
If you need proof of Medicare coverage right away, you can also print a benefit verification letter from your my Social Security account.
Can I order a Medicare card by phone?
Yes, you can. If you prefer to talk to someone over the phone or do not want to use the online option, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). If you use a TTY device, the number to call is 1-877-486-2048.
When you call:
- Make sure you have the beneficiary’s information ready.
- Be prepared to verify your identity as their representative payee.
- Ask the agent to help you order a replacement Medicare card.
What if I need proof of Medicare coverage immediately?
Sometimes, you might need proof of Medicare coverage for the person you are taking care of before the new card arrives. In that case, you do not have to wait. Here is what you can do:
- Log in to your my Social Security account.
- Go to Representative Payee Services.
- Print a benefit verification letter for the beneficiary.
This letter can be used as temporary proof of Medicare coverage until the new card arrives in the mail.
