Everybody who enrolls in Medicare gets a red, white, and blue Medicare card. It will have your name and other info on it. As long as you keep paying the required premiums, your Medicare card and coverage should renew automatically each year.
However, sometimes things get misplaced, stolen, or damaged, and you need to know how to replace your card. The Fussell Group Insurance Advisors has the answers.
What Is Your Medicare Card?
When you’re registered for Medicare, you’ll be mailed your paper card.
If you’re automatically enrolled, you’ll be mailed this card three months before you turn 65 or your 25th month of receiving disability benefits.
This card is proof that you have Medicare insurance. It lists:
- Whether you have Part A (HOSPITAL)
- Part B (MEDICAL), or both, and
- The date your coverage begins.
If you have Parts A and B, you’ll use your card to get your services. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage program (like a PPO or an HMO) or other Medicare plan, your plan will, most of the time, give you a card to use for health services.
Make sure to have your card with you when you’re not at home. When you need services, show your card to the doctor, hospital, or another provider.
About Your Medicare Card
There will be a Medicare number on your card — unique to you — rather than your Social Security number. This is for identity protection.
If you have a Medicare Part D plan, you’ll want to keep this ID card, too.
Be aware of scam artists who may try to get personal info, such as your Medicare number. Don’t give your number or any personal data to strangers!
If You Need to Get a Replacement Card
Has your Medicare card been lost, stolen, or destroyed? If so, you can use your online account (my Social Security) to ask for a replacement.
If you don’t have an account, you can create one. Once you’re logged in, click on the Replacement Documents tab and hit “Mail my replacement Medicare card.”
You’ll get your replacement card in the mail in about one month. Make sure your mailing address is correct. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227 TTY 1-877-486-2048) for any questions.
Medicare Renewal: Do You Have to Sign Up Each Year?
Generally, once you’re enrolled, you don’t need to do anything to renew your coverage each year. This is the case whether you’re in Original Medicare, an Advantage plan, or a prescription drug plan. When you continue to pay premiums, your coverage should renew (automatically) every year — except for a few situations.
Related Post: Medicare Enrollment Periods for 2021
When Might You Have to Renew Your Coverage?
In some situations, your Part C or D plan coverage won’t automatically renew and you’ll need to act to continue it. These situations include but are not limited to:
- Your plan reduces its coverage area and you now live outside of it.
- Your plan decides not to renew its Medicare contract.
- Your plan leaves Medicare during the year.
- Medicare ends its contract with your plan.
If your plan doesn’t renew its contract with Medicare for the upcoming year, you get a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for a new plan. This period will go from December to the last day of February.
Renew Your Coverage Annually
It’s best to review your coverage each year, even though you don’t have to. Benefits, provider networks, drug formularies, and cost-sharing can change from one year to the next and affect your out-of-pocket expenses. By comparing plans every year, you can make sure your coverage is still meeting your needs and budget.
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Let The Fussell Group Help
If you have questions about your Medicare options, contact The Fussell Group. Our agents can provide quotes and help you compare plans, so you can feel confident in your coverage choices!