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How Do You Replace a Medicare Card?

Learn how to replace a lost Medicare card, print an official copy online, request a mailed card, and handle Medicare Advantage card caveats.

Direct answer

If your Medicare card is lost or damaged, log in to your secure Medicare account to print or order an official copy, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a replacement by mail. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or another Medicare health plan, you generally use the plan card for services and keep the red, white, and blue Medicare card safe.

need immediate copy = print online; need mailed card = order through Medicare account or 1-800-MEDICARE

Medicare card replacement options

Need a copy now

Print from secure Medicare account

Use Medicare.gov account access

Need a mailed replacement

Order online or call 1-800-MEDICARE

TTY users use the listed TTY number

RRB benefits

Call Railroad Retirement Board

RRB has a separate replacement process

Medicare Advantage plan

Use plan card for services

Keep original Medicare card safe

Name is wrong

Update Social Security record

Medicare card name follows SSA records

Situation	Best action	Caveat
Need a copy now	Print from secure Medicare account	Use Medicare.gov account access
Need a mailed replacement	Order online or call 1-800-MEDICARE	TTY users use the listed TTY number
RRB benefits	Call Railroad Retirement Board	RRB has a separate replacement process
Medicare Advantage plan	Use plan card for services	Keep original Medicare card safe
Name is wrong	Update Social Security record	Medicare card name follows SSA records

Your plan card may be the card you show

Original Medicare users show the Medicare card for care. Medicare Advantage and other Medicare health plan members usually show the plan card instead, while keeping the Medicare card for records or plan changes.

Replace the card

1Log in to or create your secure Medicare account.
2Print the official card if you need it right away.
3Order a mailed replacement if you want a physical card.
4Call 1-800-MEDICARE if you cannot use the online account.
5Protect the new Medicare Number like other sensitive identity information.

FAQ

Can I print my Medicare card online?

Yes. Medicare.gov says you can log in to or create a secure Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card.

How do I get a replacement Medicare card mailed to me?

You can order a replacement through your secure Medicare account or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Railroad Retirement Board beneficiaries use the RRB replacement-card phone number instead.

Do I still use my Medicare card with a Medicare Advantage plan?

Usually no for care. Medicare.gov says Medicare Advantage or other Medicare health plan members use the plan card for services and keep the red, white, and blue Medicare card safe.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.