Medicare Blog

what is a medicare subscriber id

by Marcus Sipes Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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What is Medicare subscriber ID? The new Medicare cards, issued by CMS, have a unique, randomly-assigned number called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) that replaces the existing Social Security-based Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN). The new numbers are listed on the cards and in the various CMS systems in use now.

The Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) is the new identification number that has replaced SSN-based health insurance claim numbers (HICNs) on all Medicare transactions, such as billing, claim submissions and appeals.

Full Answer

How to Find my Medicare Provider ID number?

  • Log into Internet-based PECOS
  • Select "My Associates" on PECOS home page
  • Select "View Enrollments" by applicable individual or organizational enrollment
  • Click on "View Medicare ID Report"
  • PTAN or PTANs are listed in Medicare ID column

How many digits is a Medicare ID?

The Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), often known as your Medicare number, comprises eleven random letters and digits. The red, white, and blue Medicare card reflects this. It’s also on any documents you get from the Social Security Administration. Otherwise, contact your local Medicare or Social Security Administration office.

What is subscriber ID number health insurance?

  • Member name – In most cases, this will only show the subscriber’s name, not the covered dependent’s name. ...
  • Member ID number – Your member ID number is made up of a series of letters and numbers. ...
  • Coverage verification data – Doctors and hospitals need this information to check eligibility and submit claims. ...

More items...

What is a subscriber ID number for health insurance?

You’ll be required to provide your subscriber ID to the health care provider, whether you’re seeking lab services or treatment from a physician or nurse. The subscriber ID is the identification number given to you when you enroll in a health care plan. Enter your zip code on this site to compare free health insurance quotes online!

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Is Subscriber ID the same as Medicare number?

An insurance subscriber ID is not a Medicare Claim Number or a Medicare Beneficiary Identification Number.

How many digits is a Medicare ID?

11 charactersThe MBI has 11 characters, like the Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN), which can have up to 11.

Where can I find my Medicare beneficiary identifier?

How to Obtain the MBI:Ask your patients for their cards. If they did not get a new card, refer them to the Medicare.gov Your Medicare Card website .Use the MBI Lookup Tool in myCGS. Sign up for myCGS to use the tool.

What does a typical Medicare number look like?

How does the MBI look on the card? The MBI's 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th characters are always letters. Characters 1, 4, 7, 10, and 11 are always numbers. The 3rd and 6th characters are letters or numbers.

How do I find my new Medicare ID number?

There are 3 ways you and your office staff can get MBIs:Ask your Medicare patients. Ask your Medicare patients for their Medicare cards when they come for care. ... Use your MAC's secure MBI look-up tool. You can look up MBIs for your Medicare patients when they don't or can't give them. ... Check the remittance advice.

What is the 11 digit Medicare number?

A complete Medicare number requires 11 digits in total. This includes your 10-digit Medicare number on your card followed by the unique reference number that appears next to your name. Please take extra care when entering you Medicare Number, it is extremely important to ensure it is 100% correct.

How do I find my Medicare number on my Social Security?

If you need to know your new Medicare number now, you have some options. In your personal my Social Security account, you can get your Benefit Verification Letter, which includes your Medicare number. You can also visit Medicare.gov and sign in to see your Medicare number and print an official copy of your card.

Is the BNC number the same as the Medicare number?

The BNC is an encrypted 13-character alphanumeric code that is used to identify documents from the Social Security Administration. The BNC is used instead of Social Security numbers or Medicare numbers as a security measure to prevent identity theft.

Is a Medicare card the same as a Social Security card?

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.

How many digits are on Medicare card?

Medicare is replacing the old cards with new identification cards that contain an 11-digit number that’s unique to each of the 60 million beneficiaries. Congress mandated this change to make the Medicare cards more secure and protect people against identity fraud.

What is the number to call for Medicare?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has included a Spanish-language version of the letter in the mailing and provided a notice in 15 languages that directs people to call Medicare at 800-633-4227 if they have questions about the new card.

What to do when you get a new Medicare card?

When you get your new card, the envelope will include a letter directing you to destroy your old Medicare identification. Because the old card includes your Social Security number, it might be a good idea to shred it. The letter also says that you can start using your new identification right away and that none of your benefits will change.

Do you need a Medicare Advantage card to get a Part D card?

Beneficiaries who are covered under a Medicare Advantage plan will still need to use that card when getting medical services. The same is true for those who get their medications through a Part D prescription drug plan. All new enrollees are automatically receiving the new card.

What information is on my Medicare card?

There is additional important information located on your Medicare card for you and your doctor. This includes your name and sex. Additionally, it states whether you have Medicare Part A (inpatient hospital) and Medicare Part B (outpatient medical), and lists the dates that Part A and B first started.

What do the codes after my Social Security number mean?

After the Social Security number, there is a letter and sometimes a number. These codes all have different meanings.

What happens if you lose your Medicare card?

If you lose your Medicare card with your number on it, you can request that the Social Security Administration replace your card at no charge. The Medicare Beneficiary Identifier is for claims, billing and identification purposes.

What does it mean when you have an A on your Social Security card?

If you have an A on your card, it means that you are the primary beneficiary. That means you earned Medicare insurance based on your working history and tax credits.

How long does it take for Medicare to arrive in the mail?

After your replacement request, the card typically arrives in the mail in about 30 days, at no cost to the beneficiary. Social Security will mail your Medicare card to the address they have on file for you, so it is important to keep your information with them up to date.

What is a B1 on Medicare?

There are several variations to the B code: B1 is for a husband of a primary beneficiary at age 62 or over. B2 is for a young wife with a child in her care,

Can I use my Social Security number on my Medicare card?

Removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards further protects the identities of Medicare beneficiaries. The replacement number is called the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier, or MBI number. Moreover, if you still have a Medicare card with your Social Security number on it, you can still use it. Nonetheless, getting a new Medicare card is ...

What is an MBI in Medicare?

The United States Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Health care providers. Health plans. Every person with Medicare has been assigned an MBI. The MBI is confidential like the SSN and should be protected as Personally Identifiable Information. You MUST submit claims using MBIs, no matter what date you performed the service, with a few exceptions.

What letters does MBI not use?

The MBI doesn’t use the letters S, L, O, I, B, and Z to avoid confusion between some letters and numbers (e.g., between “0” and “O”). Learn about and use our MBI format specifications (PDF) to make changes to your systems.

Can you use HICN for Medicare?

Medicare plan exceptions: Appeals - People filing appeals can use either the HICN or the MBI for their appeals and related forms. Adjustments - You can use the HICN indefinitely for some systems (Drug Data Processing, Risk Adjustment Processing, and Encounter Data) and for all records, not just adjustments. Reports - We’re using the HICN on these ...

When did Medicare use Social Security numbers?

After 1964 , the RRB began using Social Security numbers as Medicare beneficiary identification numbers preceded by an alpha character. Below are the characteristics for each HIC type. “A” beneficiary (retired worker or disabled worker) “C” children (child or grandchild of a retiree)

What is a HIC number?

A HIC number (HICN) is a Medicare beneficiary’s identification number. Also, remember when billing, ALWAYS use the name as it appears on the patient's Medicare card. Both CMS and the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) issue Medicare HIC numbers.

What is the format of a HIC number?

The format of a HIC number issued by CMS is a Social Security number followed by an alpha or alphanumeric Beneficiary Identification Code (BIC). RRB numbers issued before 1964 are six-digit numbers preceded by an alpha character.

When to ask Medicare patients for their cards?

Ask your Medicare patients for their Medicare cards when they come for care. If they don’t bring it with them when they come for care, give them the Get Your New Medicare Card flyer in

What is a COBA in Medicare?

Medicare' s Coordination of Benefits Agreement (COBA) trading partners (supplemental insurers, Medigap plans, Medicaid, etc.) must submit the MBI to get Medicare crossover claims. Exceptions on use of HICN on outbound Medicare crossover claims will apply.

Can you look up MBIs for Medicare?

You can look up MBIs for your Medicare patients when they don’t or can’t give them. Sign up for the Portal to use the tool. Even if your patients are in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can look up their MBIs to bill for things like indirect medical education.

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