Is it okay to laminate your new Medicare card?
Asked by: Dr. Terry Beer II | Last update: January 28, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (27 votes)
Is it a good idea to laminate your Medicare card?
Can I laminate my Medicare card? The Social Security Administration advises that you do not laminate your Medicare card, as it can prevent detection of security features. Instead of laminating your card, consider carrying around a photocopy or protect it with a plastic sleeve.
Should I carry my new Medicare card with me or a copy?
It should be carried with you when you're away from home (e.g., in your wallet). It's a good idea to make a photocopy of your card or write down your Medicare number. Keep that information in a safe place in case your physical card ever gets lost.
Can you laminate your Social Security card or Medicare card?
Do not laminate your card. Lamination prevents detection of many security features. However, you may cover the card with plastic or other removable material if it does not damage the card.
How do you protect your Medicare card?
Don't share your Medicare Number with anyone who contacts you by telephone, email or in person, unless you've given them permission in advance. Medicare will NEVER contact you (unless you ask us to) for your Medicare Number or other personal information. Don't ever let anyone borrow or pay to use your Medicare Number.
Can I Laminate My Medicare Card? | How to protect your Medicare card
Can I seal my Medicare card?
If you are new to Medicare you may ask, “Can I laminate my Medicare card?” Even though the government doesn't rule against laminating your Medicare card, the Social Security Administration highly discourages laminating important documents such as the Medicare cards and your Social security card.
Should I destroy my old Medicare card?
Securely destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card right away. Use it the same way you used your old card. Your Medicare coverage and benefits stay the same. Keep using your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card if you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan, like an HMO or PPO.
Why is it illegal to laminate a Social Security card?
Policy on laminating an SSN card. Instruct holders not to laminate their SSN card because lamination can prevent detection of security features on the card. When possible, tell SSN applicants in advance that SSA cannot guarantee the validity of a card that has been laminated.
Should you carry your Medicare card in your wallet?
Carry your Medicare card with you when you're away from home. Show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider when you get services. If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental coverage, carry that plan card with you too.
Where should I keep my Medicare card?
If you don't want to carry the card with you when you're not going to the doctor, you should keep it in a safe place at home, such as a locked desk drawer or a fireproof safe. Be sure to put it back in the same place every time once you're done using it.
Should seniors carry their Medicare card?
It's always good to have your Medicare card on you to ensure you receive affordable care. Once you get your Medicare card, we recommend taking a photo of it with your phone, so you always have the information handy. You can also make note of your Medicare number, so you have it whenever you need it.
How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?
- Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- Pay your own Part B premium.
- Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.
What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?
- Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
- Long-term care.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
Can you laminate your ID?
Laminating your ID cards will make them last longer.
Adding durability to ID credentials is essentially the purpose of using lamination. Laminated credentials have been proven to last longer than non-laminated credentials in standard use.
Is it possible to get a plastic Medicare card?
Medicare will NOT call you, AND will NOT offer plastic cards. Medicare only provides them in paper. Scammers are just trying to steal your Medicare number and your identity. If you receive such an offer, hang up and report it to our California Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 1-855-613-7080.
Should medicare cards be laminated?
Medicare and the Social Security Administration (SSA) advise against laminating a Medicare card or other official document, such as a Social Security card. This is because lamination may interfere with the card's security features, such as the ability to scan certain details or detect tampering.
Should you carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse?
It's the key that unlocks access to your entire financial life. Carrying your Social Security Card puts you at unnecessary risk if your wallet is lost or stolen.
Do I need to carry around my Medicare card?
It's best to bring your valid Medicare card or number with you when you visit a health professional. You'll also have a My Health Record that helps securely store all your health data in one place.
What cards should not be laminated?
Several government documents are printed on special paper, such as passports and social security cards. Since these are unique, they should not be laminated and simply kept in a plastic pouch.
Will the DMV accept a laminated Social Security card?
However, the acceptance of a laminated Social Security card can depend on the policies and practices of your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or licensing agency. To ensure that your laminated Social Security card will be accepted, I recommend contacting your local DMV or licensing agency directly.
How do I remove lamination from my Social Security card?
Place the card on a solid surface and put a piece of cloth over it. Heat your iron and press the iron over the cloth for several seconds. The heat loosens the plastic from the card. Peel it away using a razor to lift the plastic and a slow hand to work the lamination off the card.
Is it safe to keep my Medicare card in my wallet?
Carrying your insurance card is a must when you have to go to the doctor. Keeping your health insurance card or Medicare card on you all the time can be excessive, though. Since these cards contain personal identifying information, Edleson warns criminals can use this data to win benefits for themselves.
What is the difference between the new Medicare card and the old card?
The new Medicare card will look similar to your old one, but there are differences. The new card will still be red, white, and blue, but will show a unique identification number instead of your Social Security number.