How to contact Medicare

First and foremost, the answer to the question is simple. To request a new Medicare card you can do so any number of ways.

You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card to be sent in the mail. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or if you prefer, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7am to 7pm EST. If you get Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you can call 1-877-772-5772 to get a replacement card. TTY users can call 1-312-751-4701. Usually the new Medicare card will arrive in the mail within 30 days after it is requested.

The easiest way to request a Medicare card, and which allows you to avoid being placed on hold for an extended period of time, is to create a personal account on the Medicare website. This will get your request processed quicker and more efficiently. Further, there’s less chance of a mistake, as you enter your personal information yourself online, instead of hoping the call center representative heard you correctly.

You can also request a new Medicare card online by using your own my Social Security account. If you don’t already have a personal Social Security account, you can very easily create one.

Once you’re logged in, simply select the “Replace your Medicare card” button under the Medicare Enrollment Detail section, then select “Mail my replacement Medicare Card.”

Finally, you can request a new card by visiting your local Social Security office. No matter where in the United States you live, chances are there is a Social Security office near you.

Sadly, many of the senior citizens calling our office looking to reach Medicare about their plan or benefits are victims of scams. Oftentimes, they have been told by a scammer that they are in danger of losing their benefits or need to pay a fictional past due balance.

Scammers prey on the fears of the elderly, frightening them with bogus threats hoping to steal their personal identity or credit card or bank information.

Medicare will NEVER ask you for your money over the phone, or demand your personal information. If anyone claiming to represent Medicare calls you and threatens to cancel your Medicare benefits or demands payment or personal information, hang up immediately and call the local authorities or 1-800-MEDICARE.

Only provide your personal information to your health care providers or the independent insurance agency that handled your Medicare or Medicare Advantage enrollment, like our experts at Insurance Professionals of Arizona.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you won’t need to carry your Medicare card in your wallet. Most seniors store their Medicare card in a secure location (like where you would store your Social Security card).

Remember, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan your benefits are handled by the private insurance carrier, not Medicare. So if you need a replacement health insurance card talk to your insurance company directly, or contact one of our IPA Medicare experts.

Many times, a senior citizen will call our office looking to talk to someone at Medicare, when in fact one of our own Medicare experts is able to answer their question and get the information they need.

We at Insurance Professionals of Arizona pride ourselves on our knowledge and experience with Medicare, and can be an excellent resource for our clients who need answers about Medicare enrollment, benefits or any other concerns.

If you are not looking to replace a lost or stolen Medicare card, talking to one of our agents can be more fruitful than waiting on hold for extended periods of time to talk to a Medicare call center representative who may or may not be able to answer your questions.