Medicare Blog

what to do after receiving medicare card

by Greg Kreiger Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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When you receive your Medicare card, there a few things you should do right away. The first of which is to review the information on the card for its accuracy. Check to see that your name is spelled correctly. Your name is located under “beneficiary” and has a claim number below it.

Carry your Medicare card with you when you're away from home. Show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider when you get services. If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental coverage, carry that plan card with you too.

Full Answer

How do I get a replacement Medicare card?

Once you are logged in to your account, select the "Replacement Documents" tab. Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare Card.”. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security. Medicare is mailing new Medicare cards now.

What do I do if I Lost my Medicare card?

Your Medicare card is proof of your Medicare insurance. If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can ask for a replacement by using your online my Social Security account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one online. Go to Sign In or Create an Account.

What should I do with my old Medicare card?

Do destroy your old Medicare card, if you haven’t already. Run it through a shredder, or cut it up with scissors (making sure to mutilate the part with your Social Security number).

Why did I not receive my new Medicare card after 30 days?

If you do not receive your new Medicare card after 30 days, there may be something that needs to be corrected, like your mailing address. Make sure the mailing address is correct. If not, you can update it using your personal my Social Security account. If you need to know your new Medicare Number, please visit myMedicare.gov/ account and sign in.

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Do Medicare cards need to be activated?

No activation is necessary for your new card and they are free of charge. Medicare issued the numbers and will not need to “verify” anything. Also, all durable medical equipment requires a prescription from your doctor.

When can I start using my new Medicare card?

It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. My birthday is on the first of the month....When your coverage starts.If you sign up:Coverage starts:Before the month you turn 65The month you turn 65The month you turn 65The next month2 more rows

How do I know if my Medicare card is active?

Once your application is submitted, you can check on its status by:Logging in to your My Social Security account.Visiting your local Social Security office.Calling Social Security.Visiting the Check Enrollment page on your MyMedicare.gov account.

Should I carry my Medicare card with me?

Keep your Medicare Advantage Card: If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare – you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card too.

Does Medicare automatically send you a card?

Once you're signed up for Medicare, we'll mail you your Medicare card in your welcome packet. You can also log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print your official Medicare card. I didn't get my Medicare card in the mail. View the Medicare card if you get benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board.

Should I laminate my Medicare card?

While not illegal, the Social Security Administration advises that you do not laminate your Medicare card. Lamination may prevent detection of security features.

What does a Medicare card do?

You can use your Medicare card to access any of the following: a range of medical services and prescriptions at a lower cost. care as a public patient in a public hospital. cheaper medicines at a pharmacy under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

How do I get my Medicare number online?

To get your Medicare card or number: Sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account. If you don't have an account yet, visit MyMedicare.gov to create one. You can sign in to see your Medicare Number or print an official copy of your card.

What is my Medicare number on my card?

Your Medicare Claim Number (or Medicare Number) is the mix of letters and numbers on the front of your Medicare card. If you have Original Medicare, you use this card to file all Part A and Part B claims.

Will the new Medicare cards be plastic?

The short answer is no. Medicare is not replacing your paper card with a plastic chip card. Scammers tried this con a few years ago. They've apparently fired it up again, as a lot of viewers are telling us about getting this call.

Is your Medicare number your Social Security number?

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.

Is it OK to carry your Medicare card in your wallet?

Regardless of your situation, you should have a Medicare Card, you should be able to put your hands on it quickly. For many of you, it should be in your wallet. If your insurance is Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement or some sort of Retiree Coverage, your Medicare needs to be billed for the services you receive.

Protect your Medicare Number like a credit card

Only give personal information, like your Medicare Number, to health care providers, your insurance companies or health plans (and their licensed agents or brokers), or people you trust that work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) A state program that gets money from the federal government to give free local health insurance counseling to people with Medicare. ..

Carrying your card

You’ll need the information on your Medicare card to join a Medicare health or drug plan or buy Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) An insurance policy you can buy to help lower your share of certain costs for Part A and Part B services (Original Medicare). so keep your Medicare card in a safe place.

How do you get another Medicare card?

My card is lost or damaged — Log into (or create) your Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

How long does it take to get a replacement Medicare card?

According to the Health and Human Services Department, it can take about 30 days for your replacement card to arrive in the mail.

Where to keep a medical card if you don't want to go to the doctor?

If you don’t want to carry the card with you when you’re not going to the doctor, you should keep it in a safe place at home, such as a locked desk drawer or a fireproof safe. Be sure to put it back in the same place every time once you’re done using it.

What is included in my Medicare card?

Besides your full name, your Medicare card includes your Medicare number as well as important information about the health insurance coverage to which you are entitled. This includes: 2. Medicare number —This is one of the most important pieces of information on your Medicare card. It’s what the billing department will use when it submits ...

What is a red white and blue Medicare card?

It acts as proof that you have Medicare health insurance, and it provides the starting date (s) of your coverage.

What happens if you lose your Medicare number?

If it is lost or stolen and gets into the wrong hands, you could be the victim of identity theft. Your personal information could be used fraudulently to obtain medical care or submit billing to Medicare in your name. Today, your Medicare number is no longer your SSN.

What is Part A in Medicare?

Part A —If you have Part A, labeled HOSPITAL, you are entitled to care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, hospice care and home healthcare. The date your coverage begins is also included. 4. Part B —If you have Part B, labeled MEDICAL, you are entitled to medical care and preventive services.

Do you need a separate ID card for Medicare?

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan, you will receive a separate ID card. If your plan covers prescription drugs, your MA card will include that information too. You should use your MA card as your primary Medicare card, but you should still keep your Medicare card in a safe place.

What happens after you enroll in Medicare?

After enrolling in Medicare, you will receive your Medicare identification card so that you can use it to receive healthcare coverage at a variety of different facilities across the United States. Since Medicare is a government-run entity, applications for insurance coverage are handled by the Social Security Administration.

How long does it take to get Medicare?

This date marks the beginning of your Initial Enrollment Period. This period lasts for a total of seven months , and you must apply for Medicare coverage during this period to avoid having to pay late enrollment penalties. The seven months encompass the three months prior to your birthday, your birth month, and the three months following your birth month.

How many months are you eligible for Medicare?

The seven months encompass the three months prior to your birthday, your birth month, and the three months following your birth month. You are able to apply for Medicare in a few different ways. If you prefer to apply in person, you can do so at your local Social Security office.

Is Medicare dependent on Social Security?

Unlike Social Security benefits, Medicare eligibility is not dependent on retirement. However, if you are already receiving Social Security benefits at the age of 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare. It is important to note that even if you are automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B, you still must apply to Part D separately ...

Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?

Original Medicare encompasses both Part A and Part B. At the time you apply for Original Medicare, you also have the ability to sign up for Medicare Part D coverage, which covers prescription drugs.

How to get a replacement Medicare card?

Go to Sign In or Create an Account. Once you are logged in to your account, select the "Replacement Documents" tab. Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare card.”. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security so be sure to make sure your mailing address is correct before completing ...

What happens if my Medicare card is stolen?

If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can request a replacement with your personal my Social Security account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one online. Go to Sign In or Create an Account.

What do scammers want from Medicare?

What the scammers really want, of course, is to get personal or financial information for the purposes of identity theft or outright theft. To thwart a Medicare card scam, follow some basic precautions.

Can you share your Social Security number?

Don’t share your Medicare or Social Security number (or other personal information) with anyone who contacts you out of the blue by phone, text or email or shows up unannounced at your door.

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