Your Medicare card: replacing it and protecting your number
Free to replace. Worth protecting.
Your red, white and blue Medicare card shows your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), an 11-character number that isn't your Social Security number. Providers need it to bill Medicare, and scammers want it for the same reason.
Replacing a lost card
Replacement cards are free.
- Log in to your Medicare account at Medicare.gov to print an official copy.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE to have a new card mailed.
- If you get Social Security benefits, you can also request one through Social Security.
Who should have your number
Your doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, your plans and people you trust to help with your care. Don't give it to unsolicited callers or anyone offering free products or services.
If you're in a plan
If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you'll use the plan's card for care, but keep your Medicare card in a safe place. You may need it if you return to Original Medicare or for some services.
Common questions
In some cases, yes. Call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain what happened.
No. Medicare replaced Social Security-based numbers with random MBIs to protect people from identity theft.
Want help with your own choices?
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help and do not sell plans. Find yours on our Medicare by state pages, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Planning the rest of your coverage in retirement? We can help with life insurance later in life and final expense coverage.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Quote My Policy does not sell Medicare plans on this site. For plan-specific help, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.