If your red, white, and blue Original Medicare card is lost or stolen, or you can no longer use it because it is too faded or damaged, you can replace it by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227). You can also order or print a replacement card by logging into your medicare.gov account.

If you get Medicare health or drug benefits from a Medicare Advantage Plan, such as an HMO, PPO, or PDP, call your plan to get your card replaced.

If you get Medicare through the Railroad Retirement Board, call the Railroad Retirement Board to order a replacement Medicare card. You should get your new card in the mail within 30 days.

Your Medicare card, Social Security card, and other health insurance cards are very important documents. Make sure to keep a photocopy of your important identification and insurance cards, write down any important numbers (like your Medicare number), and keep everything in a safe place so that you have a record for future reference if anything gets lost.

Also, if your Medicare card has been lost or stolen, watch out for Medicare fraud. Check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for services you did not receive, and if you spot any, report them to the Inspector General’s fraud hotline at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). You can also get help from your local Senior Medicare Patrol.