If your Medicaid card gets damaged, lost, or stolen, it is important to get it replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, you risk interruptions in healthcare and complications in getting your new card.

Replacing a lost or stolen Medicaid card

You should contact your state Medicaid program as soon as you notice the card is missing or damaged. Calling may bring you to pre-recorded prompts that include directions for replacing a missing card. If you do not get these pre-recorded options, ask to speak to a representative. You will most likely have to provide your Social Security number to get the Medicaid card replaced.

Since Medicaid is run by individual states, the process of getting a new card depends on your specific state. Some states send your replacement in the mail, while others have options to download the new card online and let you print it from home. The link above provides more information on how to get a new card in each respective state.

Why it is important to replace your Medicaid card

If Medicaid is your primary insurance, you need your card to receive coverage for healthcare services. Each card has a unique serial number on it that is used as a billing ID for doctor's offices, pharmacies, and any other place you may need to access your insurance. Without it, you may be left having to foot the bill on your own, at least at the time of being charged for the services.

Your Medicaid card also contains personal information, so to avoid potential fraud you want to make sure you report it missing as soon as possible.

It may also be a good idea to file a report with Medicaid's fraud investigators once you realize your card is missing. This protects you from identity theft, as well as the possibility of Medicaid fraud.

More frequently asked questions about Medicaid

Medicaid may be specific to each state, but across the country many people have the same questions about the program.

Does Medicaid cover dental, long-term care, mental health, nursing homes, or pregnancy?

In general, Medicaid covers services that are considered medically necessary, but the full suite of services covered varies from state to state. Inpatient and outpatient hospital services, lab services, nursing facility services, and X-ray services are all considered mandatory options. However, states can elect to offer additional coverage options. For a list of mandatory and optional services, you can check here.

How can I find a provider that accepts CHIP or Medicaid?

Like Medicaid, CHIP programs vary from state to state, with each having its own provider network. You should contact your state program to get a list of providers.

How do I find a dentist in my area that accepts Medicaid?

In addition to contacting your state program or dentists around you directly, you can use this dentist locator to find one in your area that accepts Medicaid.

How do I renew (or apply for) Medicaid or CHIP?

The state you live in determines whether you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. The link above has guides for how to apply, renew, and see if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP in your state.

I am on Medicaid and my children are on CHIP. If I have questions about coverage after a natural disaster or public health emergency, who should I call?

The best thing to do is contact your state Medicaid agency. They can answer any coverage questions you may have and help you figure out what to do if the declared emergency has caused an access issue.

What is the Medicaid phone number if I have a question?

There is not a singular phone number one can contact for Medicaid; each state runs its own program. The Beneficiary Resources page linked in the Additional resources section takes you to the different states to contact your specific Medicare program directly.

Who can tell me if I am eligible for Medicaid?

Eligibility for Medicaid varies from state to state. You can contact your state Medicaid program, or see if you qualify here. Though Medicaid is a state program, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) ensures each program complies with federal laws and regulations.

Who do I contact to apply for Medicaid or get coverage for my child?

To get coverage for your child or to apply for Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid program. They will determine eligibility and provide application or renewal information.

Who do I contact to talk to someone at the federal level?

As stated above, both Medicaid and CHIP are state programs, with individual states having the primary responsibility for the programs. These state programs are your primary resource for information and should be your first point of contact, especially for questions about benefits or eligibility. If you have already contacted your state agencies, you can contact CMS through the following:

• Email at Medicaid.gov@cms.hhs.gov
• Toll-free at 877-267-2323
• TTY toll-free at 866-226-1819

If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid and would like to learn more about your Medicare plan options, give us a call at 888-992-0738. A licensed ClearMatch Medicare agent will answer your questions and help you find the right coverage for your unique needs and budget.