Medicare Blog

what to do with my medicare card

by Viva Yost Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • 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 to get new Medicare card without Social Security number?

  • Are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address (this includes APO, FPO, and DPO addresses).
  • Are not requesting a name change or any other change to your card.
  • Have a driver’s license or state-issued identification card from one of the many participating states or the District of Columbia.

What to do if my Medicare card has expired?

  • Go to myMedicare.gov.
  • Log in. If you don’t yet have a myMedicare.gov account, go to “Create an Account,” and follow the instructions.
  • After logging in, select “Replacement Documents.”
  • Select “Mail my replacement Medicare Card”.
  • Verify your mailing address. If your address is incorrect, you can update it in on the website.

How to find your Medicare number easily?

Just the essentials...

  • Your Medicare number, also known as the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), contains eleven random letters and numbers. ...
  • You can also find it on paperwork you receive from the Social Security Administration. ...
  • Formerly, the Medicare number consisted of a person’s Social Security Number along with an identifying letter at the end. ...

More items...

How do I replace a lost or missing Medicare card?

  • Get Your Medicare Card by Mail. Is it in the mail? ...
  • Visit Your Local Social Security Office. Do I need to visit my Local Social Security Office? ...
  • Gather Your Credentials. How else can I get proof that I’m covered by Medicare? ...
  • Ordering Your Replacement Medicare Card Online. ...

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Should I keep my old Medicare card?

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.

Should I carry my Medicare card with me or a copy?

But there are ways you can protect yourself until the new cards are issued. Paul Stephens, director of policy and advocacy for the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, recommends that you carry your Medicare card only when you visit a health care provider for the first time, so the provider can make a copy for its file.

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 can someone do with my Medicare number?

One common kind of healthcare-related fraud is medical identity theft, which happens when a thief uses personal information — including your Medicare number — to access your healthcare benefits. This could include: Filling prescriptions. Purchasing medical equipment.

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.

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.

Where do you keep your Medicare card?

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.

Can I put my Medicare card in my apple wallet?

Medicare doesn't appear to be supported on Apple Wallet just yet, and much like how Transport for NSW is testing a digital Opal card for Apple Wallet, we suspect Medicare on Apple Wallet is one of those things that might take a little bit of time.

What happens if you laminate your Social Security card?

Lamination prevents detection of many security features. However, you may cover the card with plastic or other removable material if it does not damage the card.

Is it safe to give out Medicare number?

Treat your Medicare card like it's a credit card. Don't ever give it out except to your doctor or other Medicare provider. Never give your Medicare Number in exchange for free medical equipment or any other free offer. Dishonest providers will use your numbers to get payment for services they never delivered.

Should I give my Medicare number over the phone?

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. Don't send or give your old Medicare card to anyone. Impostors may claim you need to return it.

How can I find out if someone is using my identity?

at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or go to: www.identitytheft.gov/ To order a copy of your Social Security Administration earnings and benefits statement, or to check whether someone has used your Social Security number to get a job or to avoid paying taxes, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/statement/.

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 ...

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 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.

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.

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 if my Medicare card is compromised?

If Medicare learns that your Medicare number has been compromised, you’ll get a new card with a new number and a letter explaining the situation. Learn more about how you can fight Medicare fraud. You can always print your official new Medicare card and find your Medicare Number with your online Medicare account.

Can you use a new Medicare card to commit fraud?

New numbers can still be used to commit health care fraud. Protect your Medicare card just like your credit cards. Only give your Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurer, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.

What is a Medicare card?

Medicare cards are an important document that provide proof of your Medicare insurance. They contain: your name. your Medicare ID number. coverage information (Part A, Part B, or both) coverage dates. As long as you continue paying the required premiums, your Medicare coverage (and your Medicare card) should automatically renew every year.

What happens if my medicare card expires?

If your Medicare card has expired, your plan does not get renewed, or you feel anxious because you haven’t yet received a new one, the steps to get your card are relatively quick and easy .

How long does it take to get proof of Medicare?

If you need to prove that you have Medicare in less than 30 days, you can request temporary proof in the form of a letter. This will typically be received within 10 days. If you need proof immediately, such as for a doctor’s visit or prescription, the best option is to visit your nearest Social Security office.

What happens if my Medicare plan doesn't renew?

Your plan’s contract is terminated by Medicare. If your plan doesn’t automatically renew, you’ll have a special election period. During a special enrollment period for a Medicare Advantage nonrenewal, you can sign up for a Medicare supplement plan or change your coverage to a new Medicare Advantage plan.

How long does it take to get a new Social Security card?

Your new card should arrive in the mail at the address listed with your Social Security number within 30 days. If you don’t receive it in that time period, you may need to correct something in your account.

Does Medicare automatically renew?

There are some cases where Medicare renewal doesn’t happen automatically, specifically for Medicare Advantage or stand-alone Part D coverage. Some specific situations include: Your plan changes the size of its service area and you live outside that area.

Medicare basics

Start here. Learn the parts of Medicare, how it works, and what it costs.

Sign up

First, you’ll sign up for Parts A and B. Find out when and how to sign up, and when coverage starts.

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.

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.

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