Protect Your Medicare Number
Your Medicare Number is personal. Treat it the way you treat money. This page explains, in plain words, how to keep it safe.
You never need to type your Medicare Number or Social Security Number into this page. There is nothing to fill in and nothing to send.
Medicare’s own rule
“Guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card.”
— Medicare, in its booklet 4 R’s for Fighting Medicare Fraud
A thief who gets your Medicare Number can bill Medicare for care you never got. That can cost you money. It can also put wrong information in your medical record.
Who may have your number
Give your Medicare Number or Social Security Number only to your doctor.
You may also give it to people you know should have it. For example, your health plan or a pharmacy you use.
If you are not sure who is asking, do not give it. You can always hang up, check, and call back on a number you trust.
Never trade your number for a gift
Never give your Medicare Number in exchange for money or gifts.
Never give it for a special offer. That includes offers of free medical care or free medical equipment.
A real offer from Medicare does not work this way. If someone offers you something free and asks for your number, it is a warning sign.
Your card is yours alone
Never let someone else use your Medicare card.
Never use another person’s Medicare card.
Each card belongs to one person only.
Be careful with unexpected callers and visitors
The danger is an unexpected caller or visitor who asks you to hand over your Medicare Number.
You do not have to answer questions about your number. You can hang up the phone. You can close the door.
Taking time to check is always allowed. A real office will understand.
Keep a simple record, and check your statements
Keep a simple record of your care. Write down:
- Your appointments
- Your tests
- Items you received
- Services you received
Then read your Medicare Summary Notices. If you have a health or drug plan, read the plan statements too.
Compare the statements with your record. Check your claims early, while the details are still fresh in your mind.
If a statement lists care you never got, that is a warning sign. Report it using the numbers below.
About replacement cards
A replacement card can be legitimate. Not every new card is fake.
A replacement is safe when you are the one who asks for it. You can ask in one of two ways:
- Sign in to your secure Medicare account at Medicare.gov. There you can print an official copy of your card, or order a replacement card.
- Or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
A replacement card normally shows the same Medicare Number. If your old number has been misused, Medicare can issue a new number.
If your Medicare benefits come through the Railroad Retirement Board, call the RRB instead: 1-877-772-5772.
Source: Medicare.gov, the “Your Medicare card” guidance.
Report suspected fraud
If you think someone has used your number, or a statement shows care you never got, report it. Tap a number below to call.
Online reporting and more help:
Where this page comes from
Everything on this page comes from official Medicare sources.
“4 R’s for Fighting Medicare Fraud” (Medicare publication 11610, PDF)
Medicare.gov/fraud — official fraud information
Replacement card steps: Medicare.gov, the “Your Medicare card” guidance.