How to Check If You Have Medicare (and Which Plan You Have)
Reviewed October 7, 2026. The fastest way to check if you have Medicare is to look at your red, white and blue Medicare card, which shows whether you have Part A (listed as HOSPITAL), Part B (listed as MEDICAL) or both, and the date each started (Medicare.gov). If you can’t find it, log in to your Medicare.gov account or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048). To find out which plan you’re in, such as a Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medigap plan, check the plan card in your wallet and the plan’s mailings, or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Quick answer: Medicare card = proof of Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Your Medicare.gov account shows your Original Medicare claims and lets you print your card, and 1-800-MEDICARE can confirm your enrollment and which Medicare plans you’re in. Social Security (1-800-772-1213) can confirm Part A and Part B enrollment. Medigap isn’t a Medicare plan, so check with the insurance company that sold it.
6 ways to check if you have Medicare
| Method | What it tells you | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Your Medicare card | Part A and/or Part B, and start dates | The card |
| Your Medicare.gov account | Your Original Medicare claims and premiums; lets you print your card | Your Medicare Number and an ID.me, CLEAR or Login.gov sign-in |
| 1-800-MEDICARE | Whether you’re enrolled and in which Medicare plans | Identifying details, such as your Social Security number |
| Social Security | Whether you’re enrolled in Part A and Part B | Your Social Security number; or a my Social Security account |
| Medicare Summary Notice | Claims paid by Original Medicare | Arrives by mail or electronically if you use Original Medicare |
| Plan cards and mail | Which Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medigap plan you have | Your plan card, Evidence of Coverage or Annual Notice of Change |
1. Look at your Medicare card
Everyone with Medicare gets a card in the welcome packet after signing up (Medicare.gov). It shows your name, your Medicare Number, whether you have HOSPITAL (Part A) and MEDICAL (Part B) coverage, and the dates the coverage started. If you’ve lost it, you can print or order an official copy in your Medicare.gov account or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. See how to replace your Medicare card online and how to find your Medicare Number.
2. Log in to your Medicare.gov account
You can create or log in to your secure Medicare account using ID.me, CLEAR or Login.gov, but you need your Medicare Number to create the account (Medicare.gov). Once you’re in, you can view your Original Medicare claims as soon as they’re processed, print a copy of your card, see preventive services you’re eligible for, and learn about and pay your premiums if you get a bill from Medicare (Medicare.gov).
3. Call 1-800-MEDICARE
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, any time. A representative can confirm whether you’re enrolled and which Medicare health or drug plan you’re in after verifying your identity. If someone is calling on behalf of a parent or spouse, Medicare will need the beneficiary’s permission. A family member can be named on a CMS-1696 appointment of representative form for appeals or on Medicare’s authorization form for general information.
4. Check with Social Security
Social Security handles enrollment in Part A and Part B for most people. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or use your my Social Security account (SSA). If you get Social Security benefits, your Part B premium is usually taken out of your monthly payment, so a Medicare deduction on your benefit statement is another sign you’re enrolled. See how much is taken out of Social Security for Medicare.
5. Read your Medicare Summary Notice
If you have Original Medicare, you’ll get a Medicare Summary Notice at least twice a year if you’ve had services, listing the Part A and Part B claims Medicare processed (Medicare.gov). Getting one confirms Original Medicare is paying your claims. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll get an Explanation of Benefits from your plan instead.
6. Check your plan cards and mail
If you joined a Medicare Advantage plan, you use your plan’s card to get care, not your Medicare card (Medicare.gov). Your plan also sends an Evidence of Coverage and, each fall, an Annual Notice of Change describing next year’s costs and benefits.
How to tell which kind of Medicare coverage you have
| If you have… | You probably have… | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Only the red, white and blue Medicare card | Original Medicare (Parts A and/or B) without other Medicare plans | Medicare.gov account or 1-800-MEDICARE |
| A plan card from an insurer that says “Medicare Advantage,” “HMO,” “PPO” or shows a plan number starting with H or R | A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan | The plan’s member services number on the card |
| A drug plan card with a plan number starting with S | A stand-alone Part D drug plan | The plan or 1-800-MEDICARE |
| A card from an insurer that says “Medicare Supplement” or lists a plan letter like G or N | A Medigap policy alongside Original Medicare | The insurance company that sold the policy |
| A state Medicaid card as well as Medicare | Dual eligibility (Medicare and Medicaid) | Your state Medicaid agency |
Not sure how these pieces fit together? Read what Medicare Part C is and our Medicare Part D overview.
Am I automatically enrolled in Medicare?
If you already get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65, you’re usually enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically, and your card arrives about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you’re under 65 and get Social Security disability benefits, you’re usually enrolled automatically after 24 months of benefits. If you don’t get benefits yet, you need to sign up yourself; see how to enroll in Medicare online and our turning 65 checklist.
When to double-check your coverage
- Before Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7), so you can compare your current plan with others. Use our annual Medicare plan review checklist.
- After you move, because Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are tied to service areas. Update your address with Social Security (change of address guide).
- When you stop working, to make sure Part B is in place before employer coverage ends.
- If a provider says your Medicare is inactive, or a claim is denied for eligibility reasons.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out if I have Medicare?
Check your Medicare card, log in to your Medicare.gov account, or call 1-800-MEDICARE at 1-800-633-4227. Social Security can also confirm whether you’re enrolled in Part A and Part B.
How do I find out what Medicare plan I have?
Look for a plan card in your wallet, check your plan’s mailings, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans also mail an Annual Notice of Change each fall.
Can I check my Medicare status online?
Yes. Create or log in to your Medicare.gov account with ID.me, CLEAR or Login.gov. You’ll need your Medicare Number to set it up.
Can I check Medicare eligibility before I’m enrolled?
Most people are eligible at 65 if they’re U.S. citizens or have been lawful permanent residents for at least 5 years. Social Security can tell you whether you qualify for premium-free Part A based on your or your spouse’s work.
How do I know if I have Medicaid or Medicare?
Medicare cards come from the federal government and are red, white and blue. Medicaid cards are issued by your state or your state’s Medicaid plan. Some people have both. Contact your state Medicaid agency to confirm Medicaid.
Does Medicare know if I have a Medigap plan?
Not in your Medicare account. Medigap is sold by private insurers, so check your policy documents or call the insurance company.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or individual insurance advice. Plan rules and costs can change each year, so confirm details with Medicare, Social Security or your plan. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.