Use Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or the Railroad Retirement Board when applicable. Do not pay a third party to order a standard replacement.
1. Identify which card is missing
Your red, white, and blue Medicare card is different from a Medicare Advantage, Part D, Medigap, Medicaid, or employer-plan card. Contact the issuer of the missing card.
2. Print or order the official Medicare card
Log in to or create a secure Medicare account to print an official copy or order a replacement. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a card by mail.
If you receive Railroad Retirement Board benefits, use the RRB replacement-card channel instead of the standard Medicare process.
3. Check the name and coverage
The Medicare card uses the name in Social Security's records. If your legal name changed, update the Social Security record rather than repeatedly ordering a card with the old name. Review the Part A and Part B effective dates shown on the replacement.
4. Protect the Medicare number
Share the number only with health care providers, insurers, authorized plans, licensed agents or brokers, or trusted people helping with Medicare. If you believe someone is using the number, contact Medicare promptly.
5. Use the correct card for care
Under Original Medicare, show the Medicare card when receiving covered services. If you are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, normally use the plan's member card for services and keep the Medicare card in a safe place.