The Social Security Administration advises against laminating your Medicare card because it may obscure some of its embedded security features.
Medicare cards are printed on thick, white paper. Over time and with frequent use, they can become frayed and faded.
This article reviews the best ways to protect your card as well as how to replace it if it’s lost, stolen, or destroyed.
Medicare cards can get pretty worn over time if they’re kept in your wallet without protection. So, what’s the best way to keep them from fading and falling apart?
The Social Security Administration recommends using a plastic ID sleeve that wraps around your card. This protects your card and makes it easier to take in and out of your wallet.
You can purchase these plastic sleeves for your card online at Amazon.com (search for “Medicare Card Holder Protector Sleeve”), or you can look for them at a local office store such as Office Depot or Office Max.
Why shouldn’t you laminate your Medicare card?
The Social Security Administration recommends that you NOT laminate your Medicare card. Laminating your Medicare card can potentially compromise some of the security features embedded in the card. These features, such as your unique Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), are necessary for verifying your card’s authenticity and preventing fraud.
Your Medicare card includes the following information:
- your name
- your Medicare number (an 11-character number unique to you)
- your coverage, for example:
- hospital (Part A)
- medical (Part B)
- when your coverage started
Medicare recommends that you treat your Medicare card like a credit card.
Helpful tips for keeping your personal information private
You should only show or give the personal information on your Medicare card to your healthcare providers, your insurance company, or your healthcare plan providers.
Never give your Medicare number or other personal information to anyone who contacts you by phone, email, or in person unless you’ve reached out to them first.
Medicare will never call you uninvited and ask you for your personal information.
If someone calls and asks for your Medicare information and threatens to cancel your health benefits, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
If your Medicare card becomes lost or damaged, you can replace it through the following methods:
- Online: Log onto your secure Medicare account and either print or order an official copy.
- Phone: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to have a replacement card sent in the mail.
- In person: Visit your local Social Security Administration office to request a replacement Medicare card. You can use this online locator to find your nearest Social Security office.
If you have 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.
The name on your Medicare care is the same name you have on file with Social Security. If your name has been legally changed, you’ll need to update your records with Social Security. You can call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call TTY at 1-800-325-0778.
Social Security recommends that you not laminate your Medicare card. They suggest that you protect your card using a plastic removable sleeve.
If your Medicare card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact Medicare for a replacement by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or logging into your online Medicare account (if you have one).
You can also visit your local Social Security Administration office to request a replacement Medicare card.