Is my Medicare Number my SSN?

No — it's a unique Medicare Number.

Fastest Medicare replacement?

Print one instantly from your online account, or get a mailed card in ~30 days.

Where do I replace a Medicaid card?

Your state Medicaid agency — Medicaid is state-administered.

Medicare & Medicaid Card (US)

Medicare = the federal red-white-blue card showing your Medicare Number (not your SSN) + Part A/B start dates. Medicaid = state-administered low-income coverage; the card and rules come from your state agency.

Do it on the official site

Medicare: CMS / SSA — medicare.gov (secure account), my Social Security (ssa.gov), 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicaid: your state Medicaid agency (find via medicaid.gov state overviews).

Fees: Free (both) [confirmed]
Processing time: Medicare: print online immediate; mailed replacement ~30 days. Medicaid: varies by state.
How long it lasts: Medicare card: no expiration. Medicaid: tied to ongoing eligibility (periodic redetermination).

What to know first

Your Medicare Number is unique and is NOT your SSN — protect it.
If you join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D plan, the insurer sends a SEPARATE plan card you use at providers — keep both.
Medicaid is state-administered; card design, issuance and replacement vary by state; coverage is periodically redetermined (usually annually).
No fee to get or replace either card.

How to do it

1Medicare card: log in to Medicare.gov or my Social Security → print an official copy instantly, or order a mailed replacement (~30 days); or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
2Medicare Advantage/Part D card: contact your plan insurer (not Medicare).
3Medicaid: apply/manage via your state portal/phone/office; to replace a lost card, contact your state Medicaid agency.

What you need to bring

Medicare: a Medicare.gov / my Social Security account (or your details when calling). Medicaid: state-set — typically identity, residency, income, household; for replacement, your Medicaid ID + identity.

In person

Nearest Social Security Administration field office (Medicare); state Medicaid / human-services office (Medicaid)

Questions people ask

Is my Medicare Number my SSN?: No — it's a unique Medicare Number.
Fastest Medicare replacement?: Print one instantly from your online account, or get a mailed card in ~30 days.
Where do I replace a Medicaid card?: Your state Medicaid agency — Medicaid is state-administered.

Documents that travel with it

Sources

medicare.gov your-medicare-card + replacement; ssa.gov; medicaid.gov state-overviews (accessed 2026-06-27)