Should I carry my Medicare card in my purse?

Asked by: Lia Reilly  |  Last update: December 19, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (74 votes)

This is one of the biggest ones I see people make every day: carrying their social security card or their Medicare card in their wall or their purse. Never do this! Identity Theft becomes way too easy once a thief has this piece of information.

Am I supposed to carry my Medicare card with me?

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.

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.

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.

How do I protect my Medicare card in my wallet?

How to protect your Medicare card. A plastic ID card holder sleeve can be used to store and protect your Medicare card. It's an inexpensive solution to keep your card visible, clean, and in good shape.

What Benefits are Senior Green Card Holders/Lawful Permanent Residents Entitled To?

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Should I keep my Medicare card in my purse?

This is one of the biggest ones I see people make every day: carrying their social security card or their Medicare card in their wall or their purse. Never do this! Identity Theft becomes way too easy once a thief has this piece of information.

Should you keep your medical card in your wallet?

Only carry your health insurance or Medicare card when needed. You only need to carry these cards in your wallet if you're heading to an appointment where you might need them.

Where do you keep your Medicare card?

Instead of laminating a Medicare card, a person can consider these options to help protect it:
  • Using a plastic cardholder: A transparent sleeve or card protector can help protect the card from wear and tear.
  • Storing it safely: Keep it in a secure, easily accessible place at home or in a wallet.

How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?

To be eligible for the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, you must:
  1. Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
  2. Pay your own Part B premium.
  3. Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Should I keep my old Medicare card?

Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card right away. If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare—you should still keep and use it whenever you need care.

Can I carry a copy of 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.

Does Medicare automatically send you a card when you turn 65?

You should receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. If you are NOT receiving benefits from Social Security or the RRB at least four months before you turn 65, you will need to sign up with Social Security to get Parts A and B.

Should you take your Medicare card on vacation?

Tip 1: Keep your Medicare card and doctor's contact information on you. Unfortunately, accidents happen. And sometimes people get sick on vacation. Keep your Medicare card with you so it's handy and secure in case you need it.

What happens if you laminate your Medicare card?

Laminating it can compromise the security features of the card, limit access to important information, and put your identity at risk.

Should I carry my health insurance card at all times?

Every time you go to the doctor or specialist, fill a prescription, or see a therapist, you will need your card. Keep it with you all of the time—just like a drivers license. If you have to be admitted to the hospital, call your insurance company right away.

How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?

eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

Does everyone pay $170 for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $518 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($185 in 2025).

Who qualifies for $800 Medicare reimbursement?

Each eligible active or retired member on a contract with Medicare Part A and Part B, including covered spouses, can get their own $800 reimbursement. You can distribute this flyer to your eligible employees to let them know about this amazing benefit.

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.

Do you have to update your Medicare card every year?

A short answer to this question is no. If you're enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, your plan will renew automatically.

What does the red, white, and blue Medicare card cover?

Everyone who enrolls in Medicare receives a red, white, and blue Medicare card. This card lists your name and the dates that your Original Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) began. It will also show your Medicare number, which serves as an identification number in the Medicare system.

Should I always carry my Medicare card with me?

Yes, the government recommends that you should carry your Medicare card with you when you're away from home, as you will need it if and when you need to obtain medical care, including inpatient or outpatient care.

What should you not carry in your wallet or purse?

Sullivan says your Social Security card and any identification or documents that include your Social Security number are perfect examples of what not to keep in your wallet. Those nine digits could make it easier for a fraudster to open loans or credit card accounts in your name.

Should I carry my Medicare health insurance card in my wallet?

Health information

Since these cards contain personal identifying information, Edleson warns criminals can use this data to win benefits for themselves. By keeping your wallet free of these items, you can help protect your identity, money, and workplace from thieves.