Key takeaways

  • Your Medicare number, which is different from your Social Security number, is essential for your identification.
  • You can find your Medicare number on your physical Medicare card, through your online Medicare account, or by contacting Medicare directly.
  • Protecting your Medicare number is crucial to prevent fraud and abuse, and you should immediately report any suspected fraudulent activity.

Your Medicare number, also known as your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), is an 11-digit code that includes numbers and letters. It’s unique to you — no one else has the same Medicare number as you.

Importantly, your Medicare number is not the same as your Social Security number. Having a separate Medicare number helps protect your identity.

When you enroll in Medicare, you will be sent a Medicare card. The number on this card is your Medicare number, which will remain the same each year.

The easiest place to find your Medicare number is on your Medicare card. It’s important to keep this card safe.

Can I look up my Medicare number online?

You can also visit Medicare.gov online to find your Medicare number. To ask a Medicare representative about your number, you can also call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or 877-486-2048 for TTY. You’ll need to provide information that proves your identity.

Where can I find my Medicare number on SSA.gov?

If you have your benefits verification letter and are enrolled in Medicare, your Medicare number will be on this letter. But you can also log into your Social Security account online to see a copy of your benefits verification letter or visit your local Social Security office.

How else do I access my Medicare number?

Other places to find your Medicare number include:

  • Medicare Summary Notice (MSN): Once you are enrolled in Medicare, you will receive a quarterly notice of claims and Medicare-covered services that you’ve received in the past 3 months. Your Medicare number will be on this report.
  • Medicaid card: If you are enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare, your Medicaid card may also have your Medicare number on it.
  • Railroad Retirement Board (RRB): If you ever worked for a railroad, you can request a replacement Medicare card through the RRB, or you can call the RRB at 877-772-5772 (TTY: 312-751-4701).

Qualifying for Medicare

To qualify for Medicare, you must:

  • be 65 years old or over, or have a disability, end stage renal disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease)
  • be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident for at least 5 years
  • have worked for at least 10 years (or 40 quarters) in Medicare-eligible employment (or your spouse must meet this requirement)

If you don’t yet have a Medicare number, you’ll need some information to first enroll in Medicare:

  • your Social Security number
  • where you were born (city, state, country)
  • the start and end dates of any current group health plans
  • the start and end dates of any group health plans after age 65 years

Once you are eligible for Medicare, you can enroll by creating an account at Medicare.gov or by calling Medicare at 800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or 877-486-2048 for TTY.

You may also enroll for Medicare by:

  • contacting the Social Security Administration online or visiting your local Social Security office
  • switching to Medicare online if you have healthcare through the Health Insurance Marketplace
  • contacting your local RRB office to apply for Medicare if you have worked for a railroad

Enrolling in Medicare

If you have never enrolled in Medicare, you may do so during the initial enrollment period, which is the 7-month window starting 3 months before the month of your 65th birthday and up to 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday.

Other enrollment periods for Medicare include:

  • Special enrollment period: This period is based on other healthcare circumstances in your life, such as having an employer-based group health plan or volunteering in a foreign country.
  • General enrollment period: This period occurs every year from January through March and is specifically for people who did not enroll during their initial enrollment period.
  • Open enrollment period: This period occurs every year from mid-October through early December and is for people who want to make coverage changes within Medicare, such as selecting a different Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.

You may apply for Medicare during any one of these windows.

If you have lost your Medicare card, you may request a replacement by logging into your Medicare account. Medicare can mail a replacement card to you, or you may print one at home.

Other options for getting a new card include:

Keeping your personal information private is important. Here are tips for keeping your Medicare number protected and private:

  • Treat your Medicare card as you would a credit card.
  • Do not laminate your Medicare card, as this may interfere with its security features. A clear, removable cover may be a better option.
  • Never give out your Medicare number to anyone who contacts you by phone, email, or text unless you contacted them first and gave them permission to contact you (like your doctor’s office or other healthcare professional).
  • When you receive services, show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other healthcare professional only.

If you suspect Medicare fraud or abuse, report it immediately by calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or submitting it online.

Your Medicare number is on your Medicare card. It is not the same as your Social Security number.

You may also find your Medicare number online at your secure Medicare account or your My Social Security account. Your Medicare number is also on the claims you have filed and on the quarterly MSN report that you receive from Medicare.

Protecting your Medicare number can help avoid Medicare fraud and abuse. Report any suspected Medicare fraud or abuse to 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or submit it online.