The Medicare ID number, officially known as the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), is a unique code assigned to every person enrolled in Medicare. This 11-character identifier is necessary for nearly all transactions within the healthcare system, serving as the primary way to verify coverage and submit claims for services received. Having the MBI readily available is essential for receiving healthcare services, filling prescriptions, and accessing personal information through official Medicare online portals. It acts as the personal identification within the federal health insurance program, allowing providers to bill for Part A and Part B services.
Identifying the Number on Your Current Medicare Card
The most direct way to find your Medicare ID number is by looking at your red, white, and blue Medicare card. The MBI is prominently displayed on the front of the card, listed as the “Medicare Number” just above your name. This unique 11-character code is a mix of numbers and letters.
The MBI replaced the former Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN), which was based directly on the beneficiary’s Social Security Number. This transition was mandated to reduce the risk of identity theft and potential fraud. When using the MBI on forms, you should enter the characters without any spaces or dashes, even though the card may visually separate them for easier reading.
How to Access Your Medicare ID Without the Card
If your physical card is not immediately accessible, the primary and most efficient method for retrieving your MBI is by accessing your personal account on the official Medicare website, MyMedicare.gov. This secure online portal allows beneficiaries to manage their information and view their coverage details, including the full Medicare ID number. If you do not yet have an account, the website will guide you through a brief registration process.
Once logged into your MyMedicare.gov account, you can quickly navigate to a section that displays your Medicare ID number. Another option for accessing your number online is through your personal My Social Security account, if you have one established with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Within the SSA portal, the MBI is typically found within your benefit verification letter, which summarizes your current Medicare or Social Security benefits.
Your MBI may also appear on other official documents you have received from Medicare, which can serve as a backup reference. These documents include the quarterly Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) that detail the claims processed for your services. If you are at a healthcare provider’s office, some doctors and hospitals may have your MBI saved in their electronic records from previous visits and may be able to look it up for you.
Getting a Replacement Medicare Card
If your original Medicare card has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can easily request a replacement card through a few official channels. The fastest way to order a new physical card is by logging into your MyMedicare.gov account and following the prompts for a replacement.
Another official method is to call the dedicated Medicare phone line at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and speak to a representative. You may also contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly by phone at 1-800-772-1213, as the SSA manages the issuance of Medicare cards.
Regardless of the method used to request a replacement, the new card is typically mailed to the address on file and should arrive within approximately 30 days. When a replacement card is issued, your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) remains the same. While waiting for the physical card, you can often print an official copy of your card from your MyMedicare.gov account to use as temporary proof of coverage.