When Does One Receive A Medicare Card? 
On a side note to Mr. Vineyard 's answer which is great , once you receive the Medicare claim number which is usually your social security number with a letter behind it , this will allow you to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan . These plans are offered through private insurance company 's like Aetna , United HealthCare , and Humana and have to be at a minimum as good as original Medicare but these advantage plans almost always have added benefits such as dental , vision , and hearing that original Medicare does not have . Most company 's have several plans available at a $ 0.00 monthly premium in addition to your Part B premium . Original Medicare only covers 80 % and you pay 20 % . There are no co-pays . 