Your Medicare number is a critical piece of information that ensures you receive the benefits and coverage you’re entitled to under the Medicare program. Losing track of important information like this number can be stressful, especially when you need it for a doctor’s appointment or to access healthcare services.
In this guide, we’ll explain simple and secure ways to locate your Medicare number and get back to focusing on your health and well-being.
What Is a Medicare Number?
A Medicare number is a unique identifier assigned to individuals enrolled in the program. The number is used to track and manage Medicare benefits and claims.
Key features of the number include:
- Format: This number is alphanumeric and is structured as a combination of numbers and uppercase letters.
- Purpose: This number is used for billing, claims processing, and verifying your eligibility for Medicare services. You will provide this number when visiting healthcare providers, pharmacies, or hospitals that accept Medicare coverage.
- Privacy and Security: It is important to keep your number safe and only share it with trusted healthcare providers or facilities. Protecting it helps prevent identity theft and fraudulent Medicare claims.
How Do You Get Your Medicare Number?
There are two different ways to get a Medicare number. First, if you’ve applied for Social Security and you’re receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65. In fact, your Medicare card will show up in the mail roughly 100 days prior to your birth month.
The other way to get a number is by self-enrolling. If you are not on Social Security (meaning you’re delaying taking Social Security, but are going to take Medicare at 65), you will not be automatically enrolled in Medicare. You’ll have to self-enroll.
You can easily do this by going to SSA.gov and completing the self-enrollment process. It should only take about 20 minutes. Once you’ve self-enrolled, you’ll receive your Medicare card within about four weeks. If you need to access your number before your card shows up in the mail, follow the process we outline below. Keep in mind that you’ll have to wait around seven to ten days after enrolling to access your number.
How to Find Your Medicare Number
If you didn’t receive your Medicare card in the mail (maybe it got lost or you accidentally threw it away), you can still access your Medicare number by following this simple process.
Step 1: Go to SSA.gov → Click Sign In/Up
Start by typing SSA.gov into the search bar of your internet search engine. Once you’re on the main page, click on the “Sign In/Up” button in the top right corner. Once you click that button, it’s going to take you to a second screen where you’ll have a few different options.
Step 2: Click On “mySocial Security” Box
Click on the “mySocial Security” box. This will take you to the next screen, where you can sign in (if you already have an account) or create a new account.
Step 3: Sign In (or Create a New Account)
If you’ve already created an account, type in your username and password. The username is never case-sensitive, but the password is. To be approved, your password must be at least eight characters long and contain a capital letter, a small letter, one number, and one symbol.
If you don’t have a username and password, you’ll have to create a new account. The process of creating an account shouldn’t take you more than 15 to 20 minutes. Once you’ve created your account, you’ll be able to sign in, which will take you to the next screen.
Step 4: Verify Your Identity via Email or Text
Once you’ve signed in/created an account, they’ll ask you to verify your identity. They’ll do this by sending you a code via email or text message. You select which method you prefer, enter your email or phone number, and wait for them to send you the code.
Step 5: Enter the Security Code
You should receive the security code in about 20 seconds to two minutes. Once you get the code from Medicare, enter the eight-digit number into the verification bar. The code is only good for ten minutes, so make sure to type it into the verification bar right away. After you’ve typed it in, click “Submit.”
Step 6: Agree to Terms of Service
You will now be asked to agree to the terms of service. Take a minute to read what you’re agreeing to, then select the “Terms of Service” box and click “Next.”
Step 7: Click Replacement Documents
This next step is the most important part. On the far right side, you’ll see several different options. Click on the “Replacement Document” option, which will take you to the next screen.
Step 8: Click Benefit Verification Letter
This screen displays several options for you to select. You’ll see near the bottom a “Mail My Replacement Medicare Card” option. If you’ve lost your Medicare card, click on that link. If your card is still coming in the mail and you just want to access your Medicare number, click instead on the text that says “Get a Benefit Verification Letter.”
At this point, make sure your device’s pop-ups are allowed. If not, you won’t be able to see your Medicare number.
Step 9: Scroll Down the Pop-Up to See Your Medicare Number & Effective Date
Once you’ve clicked on the “Get a Benefit Verification Letter” link, a pop-up will appear on the screen. Scroll down to see your Medicare claim number (it is a series of 11 random letters and numbers) as well as other Medicare information like what benefits you’re entitled to and when these benefits begin.
If you lost your Medicare card or haven’t received it in the mail yet, you can easily access your Medicare claim number by following the steps outlined above.
We understand how difficult making the right Medicare decisions can be. To take the next step, watch our full course here or schedule a free one-on-one call with a certified Medicare School Guide who can answer your questions, compare plan options, and even help you enroll. Click here to get started.
FAQ
What Is a Medicare Number?
A Medicare number is a unique 11-character identifier assigned to individuals enrolled in Medicare, used for billing, claims, and verifying benefits.
How Do You Get a Medicare Number?
You receive a Medicare number automatically when you enroll in Medicare. It’s printed on your Medicare card.
How Do You Find Your Medicare Number?
Your Medicare number is on your Medicare card. You can also access it through your Medicare online account or by contacting Medicare.
What Happens If I Don’t Have a Medicare Number?
Without a Medicare number, you may face delays in accessing Medicare services or filing claims. Contact Medicare to retrieve or replace it.