How to Read a Medicare Card

Created for persons ages 65 and older, the Medicare health insurance program consists of two parts --- hospital insurance and medical insurance. Disabled persons younger than 65 may qualify for Medicare. If you qualify for Medicare, you receive a card that identifies you as the beneficiary and what type of coverage you have, according to Medicare. Although medical providers copy the information from your card for services you receive, knowing how to read your Medicare card may help lessen some stress associated with medical visits.

Things You'll Need

• Medicare health insurance card

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Instructions

• 1

  Locate Medicare's contact phone number just under the card's title (Medicare Health Insurance) at the top of the card. The toll-free number is 1-800-Medicare or 1-800-633-4227, should you have questions concerning your coverage.

• 2

  Find your name and claim number. Your name is located under "beneficiary" and the claim number below the name. The claim number is your Social Security number with a letter at the end of the number.

• 3

  Move down to the middle of the card and locate the type or types of coverage you have. The type of coverage is associated with a letter. "Part A" includes coverage for hospital stays, home health care and hospice. "Part B" includes doctor's services and outpatient care, according to Medicare. To the left of this information is the effective date that you became eligible for coverage.

• 4

  Sign the card on the signature line located at the bottom of the card if you haven't done so already.