Medicare is the federal health insurance program providing coverage for millions of Americans, primarily those aged 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities. Every person enrolled in the program is assigned a unique identifier, known officially as the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). This MBI is a personalized, 11-character code consisting of randomly generated letters and numbers, which is necessary for providers to bill Medicare for services received. If you cannot find your physical card, this guide outlines the steps you can take to locate your MBI quickly and efficiently.
Locating the Number on the Physical Card
The most direct way to find the MBI is by looking at your red, white, and blue Medicare card. The card displays the 11-character MBI clearly printed on the front, right below your name. The MBI is not based on your Social Security number, unlike the old Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) it replaced to prevent identity theft. The identifier uses a combination of uppercase letters and numbers, excluding certain letters like S, L, O, I, B, and Z to avoid confusion with numbers. Treat the MBI as confidential information and protect it like your Social Security number.
Accessing Your Number Through Your Online Account
If your physical card is lost or temporarily unavailable, the official MyMedicare.gov portal provides a secure way to retrieve your number. You must have an established online account to access this service, though new beneficiaries may need their MBI to set up an account initially. After logging in, navigate to the personal information section, which includes an option to view or print an official copy of your Medicare card. This allows you to immediately see and use the MBI without waiting for a replacement card to arrive in the mail. If you do not have a MyMedicare account, you may also find your MBI by logging into the Social Security Administration’s website (SSA.gov) and requesting a Benefit Verification Letter.
Requesting the Number by Phone
Beneficiaries who cannot access the online portal can call Medicare directly using the toll-free number, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). This customer service line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When speaking with a representative, you must provide personal identifying information (PII) for verification before the MBI can be disclosed. Be prepared to confirm details such as your name, date of birth, and possibly your Social Security Number to pass the required security checks.
Using Your Number Before the Card Arrives
Once you retrieve your MBI through the online portal or by phone, you can use the 11-character code immediately, even if your physical card has not yet been delivered. This is particularly useful if you need to schedule a new appointment or fill a prescription while waiting for a replacement card. You can provide the MBI to your medical provider’s office, as the number itself is the only information required to verify eligibility and submit claims. Additionally, if you have seen a specific provider previously, they may already have your MBI on file.