Your new Medicare card has a similar look to the old card that was phased out in 2019. Red and blue highlights and blue and black letters and numbers are printed on white paper. Paper is still used so it is easier for providers to make photocopies of it.
Full Answer
What do you need to know about new Medicare cards?
By creating a mySocialSecurity account, you can:
- Access your Social Security statement and benefits
- Change your address and phone number
- Check status of applications
- Report wages
- Start or change direct deposit
- Request replacement Medicare Cards
- Much more
Why will there be new Medicare cards?
Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and people with disabilities, has been a target of criminals since it started in July 1965. With more than 62 million current Medicare recipients, it's a target-rich environment for liars, cheats and thieves. Medicare cards were changed beginning in 2018, when an 11-digit ...
What do you need to know about your new Medicare card?
10 Things to Know About Your New Medicare Card Your new card will automatically come to you. ... Your new card will have a new Medicare Number that's unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. ... Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same. Mailing takes time. ... Your new card is paper, which is easier for many providers to use and copy. More items...
Are new Medicare cards being mailed out?
New Medicare cards are being mailed soon–here’s when you can expect to get yours. In a move to combat medical identity theft, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is issuing new cards that no longer include Social Security numbers. The cards will be mailed to beneficiaries in waves, depending on which state you live in.
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 you laminate your 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.
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 should I keep my 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.
Why is my Medicare card made of paper?
Jack Cheevers said the new Medicare cards are made of paper so that they can be scanned or copied more easily by doctors and other health care providers. Paper cards also save the government money. "You may laminate your new Medicare card.
Are Medicare cards plastic or paper?
Like your Social Security card, your Original Medicare card is made of paper, not plastic. While you may have concerns about your card's durability, laminating it may make it harder for providers to use it to ensure you receive your benefits.
Is it OK to laminate your Social Security card?
Do not laminate your 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.
Should I give my Medicare number over the phone?
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.
Why is the Medicare card paper and not plastic?
The new card will be made of paper, not plastic. This is intended to make the card easier for providers to use and copy.
What do I do with my Medicare card?
Using your Medicare card 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.
Can you use a photocopy of your Medicare card?
There are a few methods Medicare card holders use to better protect their identity. One such method is to make a photocopy of the Medicare card and remove the Social Security number or the last four digits on the copy.
What envelope does my Medicare card come in?
white envelopeYour card will come in a white envelope from the Department of Health and Human Services (see example on the right). The back of the envelope will say, “Official information from Medicare.” Medicare will mail new Medicare cards with new Medicare numbers from April 2018 through April 2019.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to apply for Medicare card?
Step 1. Begin by going to the Social Security website and apply online by clicking on “Medicare,” located at the top of the page headings (topics to choose from). A new page will appear, and you will then click the “Apply for Medicare Benefits” link. Step 2.
When will Medicare cards be released?
The New Cards. According to the CMS, the government plans to begin mailing new cards to Medicare recipients in April 2018. All beneficiaries should receive the updated cards by April 2019. The 12-month period will also allow healthcare providers to prepare for the switch and make any necessary changes to their systems.
How does Medicare fraud work?
Medicare is issuing new cards to cut down on fraud, but scammers continually devise new tactics to wreak havoc on the lives of the elderly. As a beneficiary, you might be contacted by people over the phone or over the internet posing as government agencies requiring personal information. Some of the more common tactics used include: 1 Requesting that cardholders confirm or verify their Medicare or social security information. Criminals often pretend an error was made. They insist they need the personal information to make the correction and to issue a new card; 2 Convincing Medicare beneficiaries that there is a fee for obtaining a new card and their personal information is required; and 3 Threatening cardholders with a cancellation of health benefits if they do not cooperate by providing the requested information.
How to contact Medicare representative?
This is the number for you to contact a Medicare Health Insurance representative. Call Medicare Health Insurance at (800) Medicare (633-4227). And finally, at the bottom of the card will be a signature line. If all the information on your card is correct, be certain to sign your name on the signature line indicated.
How long does it take to get a replacement Medicare card?
In either application site or location, it will take about 30 days for you to receive your new replacement card by United States mail.
What is a social security number?
A social security number provides access to a multitude of personal information, which gives hackers and thieves the opportunity to commit crimes of identity theft. Old Medicare cards featured members’ social security numbers, allowing criminals easy access to this information when the cards were sent via mail or presented at places like physicians’ offices, pharmacies or other provider agencies.
What is ESRD in Medicare?
Railroad Retirement Board benefits. Have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) The majority of people qualify for Part A of Medicare automatically (from working and paying into Social Security). Part B coverage requires you pay a premium for each month’s coverage and has optional plans available.
How to replace Medicare Advantage card?
To replace a Medicare Advantage card, contact your insurance company. If you need to update your contact information such as a change of address, visit the Social Security website to access your account.
What are the out-of-pocket expenses of Medicare?
Medicare out-of-pocket costs include deductibles and copays that you’re responsible for . And if you travel, you may not be covered for emergency healthcare services. 7
What is Medicare Advantage?
It includes your Medicare Part A and B coverage, and it often includes other coverage such as prescription drugs, dental, vision and/or hearing bundled into a single policy. 5 Plus, some Medicare Advantage plans have premiums of $0 a month (not including your Part B premium ). 6
How to avoid late penalty for Medicare?
3 Purchasing a prescription drug plan within your initial enrollment period (or within 63 days of any form of creditable drug coverage) will prevent you from paying a late penalty. The late penalty will be applied for as long as you have a Medicare prescription drug plan. 4
How long do you have to lock down Medicare?
You have from three months before until three months after you turn 65 to lock down your Medicare coverage choices until the next Annual Enrollment Period.²
Have you received a new Medicare card?
Have you recently received a new Medicare card? If you’re already on Social Security, it’s likely that you’ve been automatically enrolled without having to formally sign up for Medicare. 1 Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about your Medicare card and how to ensure you have the right coverage before you put it away in your wallet.
Can Medicare contact you if you are enrolled in one of their plans?
Your insurance company is allowed to contact you if you are enrolled in one of their plans. A Medicare representative can contact you if you’ve left a message or if they’ve previously indicated that they would return your call.
