CMS began rolling out new cards to Medicare beneficiaries in April and recently announced that wave one of the mailing has been completed. The new cards are intended to help protect beneficiaries’ Social Security Numbers (SSN). In the past, Medicare cards featured a Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) based on the beneficiary’s SSN.
Full Answer
When will the new Medicare cards be available?
In April, Medicare began sending its members new cards with unique eleven-digit account numbers, ending the previous reliance on SSA numbers. The transition to new cards and numbers is ongoing and is scheduled to be completed in December of 2019.
Did Medicare stop using social security numbers as account numbers?
A decision earlier this year by Medicare to stop using its beneficiaries' Social Security numbers as account numbers has not gone unnoticed by scammers. In April, Medicare began sending its members new cards with unique eleven-digit account numbers, ending the previous reliance on SSA numbers.
Why do I need to Change my Medicare card address?
This will help to protect you against identity theft and protect Medicare from fraud. Medicare will automatically mail your new card to the address you have on file with Social Security. As long as your address is up to date, there’s nothing you need to do!
Do I need a new Medicare card for Medicare Advantage?
If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), keep using your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card whenever you need care. However, you should also carry your new Medicare card—you may be asked to show it. Protect your Medicare Number like you would your credit cards.
Did Medicare send out new cards?
You're getting a new Medicare card! Between April 2018 and April 2019, we'll be removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and mailing each person a new card. This will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity.
When did Medicare send out new cards?
April 2018Medicare is mailing new Medicare cards starting in April 2018.
Does Medicare card come automatically?
Enrollment in Original Medicare and the receipt of your Medicare ID card will be automatic if you meet one of the following conditions. If you are turning age 65 and receiving Social Security Insurance or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, your Medicare ID card will arrive three months before your 65th birthday.
Are Medicare cards renewed every year?
As long as you continue paying the required premiums, your Medicare coverage (and your Medicare card) should automatically renew every year. But there are some exceptions, so it's always a good idea to review your coverage every year to make sure it still meets your needs.
Is Medicare changing their cards for 2022?
15 through Dec. 7, the more than 63 million Medicare beneficiaries can pick a new Medicare Part D drug plan, a new Medicare Advantage plan, or switch from Original Medicare into a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa. Any coverage changes made during this period will go into effect Jan. 1, 2022.
How often are Medicare cards issued?
Medicare cards are valid for 5 years. We'll send you a new card before your old one expires. You don't have to do anything unless your address has changed. If it has, update your details so the card gets to you.
What to do if you have not received your new Medicare card?
If you don't get your card, you can ask for a new one by:using your Medicare online account through myGov.the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.calling the Medicare program.
Why would Medicare send me a letter?
These letters confirm actions you took (or you asked us to do for you) regarding your secure Medicare account. We send letters when you: Create your new account (or ask us to create your account) Ask us to reset your password.
Why am I getting mail about Medicare?
Ads or mailings from Medicare health plans typically start on or just after October 1 each year. These marketing campaigns are designed to prompt you to call a phone number, enter an email address, or register for an event to learn more about an advertised plan and ultimately sign up for that plan.
How do you update your Medicare card?
Step 1: sign in. Sign in to myGov and select Medicare. On your homepage, select Update now under My details.
How long does it take to renew Medicare card?
Your new card will replace your old card. You'll have the same Medicare number that you did before, but your old card will no longer be valid. We'll send your new card in 3 to 4 weeks.
Do I have to renew Medicare Part B every year?
In general, once you're enrolled in Medicare, you don't need to take action to renew your coverage every year. This is true whether you are in Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medicare prescription drug plan.
When will Medicare cards be mailed?
CMS mailed the new cards on a rolling schedule to all people with Medicare, completing the task three months before the April 2019 deadline for replacing old Medicare cards set by Congress as part of the legislation passed under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015.
How to protect your Medicare card?
Prioritizing Security#N#Although the new Medicare cards are designed to protect against identity theft, people with Medicare should continue to look out for scams. CMS offers these tips: 1 Destroy your old Medicare card so no one can get your personal information. 2 Start using your new Medicare card right away. Carry it when you need healthcare. Medicare coverage and benefits are the same. The new card does not impact or change your healthcare benefits. 3 Keep your other plan cards. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) or a Medicare Drug Plan, keep using that plan ID card whenever you need care or prescriptions. However, please carry and protect your new Medicare card too — you may be asked to show it. 4 Protect your Medicare number just like a credit card. Only give the new Medicare number to doctors, pharmacists, other healthcare providers, insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf. Medicare will never call uninvited for your Medicare number or other personal information.
Can you call Medicare uninvited?
Medicare will never call uninvited for your Medicare number or other personal information. Tips to Prevent Fraud.
Does Medicare change your benefits?
Medicare coverage and benefits are the same. The new card does not impact or change your healthcare benefits. Keep your other plan cards. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) or a Medicare Drug Plan, keep using that plan ID card whenever you need care or prescriptions.
What is the new Medicare card?
The new Medicare card contains a unique, randomly-assigned number that replaces the current Social Security-based number.
How long is the transition period for Medicare?
There will also be a 21-month transition period where doctors, healthcare providers, and suppliers will be able to use either their current SSN-based Medicare Number or their new, unique Medicare number, to ease the transition.
Does Medicare have a new number?
CMS has assigned all people with Medicare benefits a new, unique Medicare number, which contains a combination of numbers and uppercase letters. People with Medicare will receive a new Medicare card in the mail, and will be instructed to safely and securely destroy their current Medicare card and keep their new Medicare number confidential.
How to protect your SSN when you get a new Medicare card?
When you’ve received your new Medicare card, take these steps to protect your information and identity: Destroy your old Medicare card right away. Make sure you destroy your old card to help protect your SSN and other personal information. Start using your new Medicare card.
Can Medicare contact you uninvited?
Medicare will never contact you uninvited to ask for your personal information. For more information about your new Medicare card, visit Medicare.gov/NewCard. You can also visit Medicare.gov for tips to prevent Medicare fraud. Tags: Medicare, my Social Security account, Social Security benefits, SSN. See Comments.
Does Medicare send new cards?
Did you know that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is sending new cards with new Medicare numbers to everyone with Medicare? Instead of your Social Security Number (SSN), your new Medicare card will include a new number unique to you. This will help to protect you against identity theft and protect Medicare from fraud. Medicare will automatically mail your new card to the address you have on file with Social Security. As long as your address is up to date, there’s nothing you need to do! If you need to update your address, use your personal my Social Security account.
Does Medicare automatically mail a new card?
This will help to protect you against identity theft and protect Medicare from fraud. Medicare will automatically mail your new card to the address you have on file with Social Security. As long as your address is up to date, there’s nothing you need to do!
When will Medicare start sending new cards?
In April, Medicare began sending its members new cards with unique eleven-digit account numbers, ending the previous reliance on SSA numbers. The transition to new cards and numbers is ongoing and is scheduled to be completed in December of 2019.
How to get a new Medicare card?
Medicare has posted information about the new cards. You should know: 1 There is no fee for the new card; it will be mailed to you automatically as long as your address is up to date. 2 Medicare will never call you uninvited to request personal or private information in order for you to get your new Medicare number and card. 3 If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don't share your personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For more information visit www.medicare.gov/fraud.
Can Medicare scammers steal your money?
Medicare scammers may use different angles in attempts to steal your money or your identity: Some callers may request payment for the new Medicare card, according to a Detroit Free Press article. Others may pose as medical insurers and threaten to cancel your insurance if you don't share information from the new card.