When will the new Medicare cards be sent?
CMS will start sending new Medicare cards to participants in April. The agency will send out the new cards in seven waves based on where you live. The cards for the first two groups of states are set to be mailed between April and June.
Why did the design of the Medicare card change?
Those who choose to join Medicare receive a card that identifies them as Medicare participants, and for decades, the design of the Medicare card stayed the same. Recently, concerns about the potential for fraud and identity theft led the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to come up with a design for new Medicare cards.
What is the difference between the old and new Medicare cards?
In response to privacy concerns about the old Medicare cards that included your Social Security number on them, Medicare is in the process of issuing new Medicare cards. The new cards have a new number, but not much else is changing. Your wallet will hopefully be safer with the new Medicare card.
What do the new Medicare health insurance cards look like?
The new Medicare health insurance cards are red, white and blue paper (not plastic). There is a blue arching swath at the top with an eagle icon in the left corner and it says “MEDICARE HEALTH INSURANCE”
Is Medicare sending out new cards 2021?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin mailing out new Medicare cards to 58 million current beneficiaries this April, according to the AARP. Some things to know about the new Medicare card: Residents won't need to take any action to get their new Medicare card.
Are new Medicare cards being issued for 2020?
Note: Medicare has finished mailing new Medicare cards to all beneficiaries. You can still use your old card to get your care covered until January 1, 2020. However, if you have not received your new card, you should call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) and speak to a representative.
What year did Medicare issue new numbers?
April 2018In April 2018, CMS began mailing the new Medicare cards, each of which features a unique, randomly assigned Medicare number known as a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI).
Is there a new Medicare card with a chip?
Not with a chip. There are NO NEW Medicare Cards. If you receive a call from someone who tells you they are with Medicare, hang up. Hang up even if your caller ID shows the call is from Medicare.
Is the government sending out new Medicare 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.
Did not receive 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.
Is there a new black and white Medicare card?
Scammers falsely allege Medicare is issuing new plastic or metal Medicare cards or black and white Covid-19 Medicare cards. The scammers state that in order to get your new card, you need to provide personal identifying information such as your Medicare number, birth date or even financial account numbers.
When did MBI numbers start?
April 2018Beginning in April 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began issuing new Medicare identification (ID) cards.
When Did Medicare Change from Social Security numbers?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed a new number called the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), which replaces the SSN-based Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) on the Medicare card. CMS began mailing the new Medicare cards in April 2018.
Do you automatically get a Medicare card when you turn 65?
You should receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. If you are NOT receiving benefits from Social Security or the RRB at least four months before you turn 65, you will need to sign up with Social Security to get Parts A and B.
Can you get a plastic Medicare card?
Can You Get a Plastic Medicare Card? Medicare does not sell plastic Medicare cards and will not contact you to verify your information. Plastic Medicare cards are usually a scam where you are the target of identity theft.
Do Medicare cards expire?
Generally, a person does not have to renew their Medicare card each year, as it will automatically renew. If a card is lost, stolen, or damaged people can get a new card at no cost.
Are Medicare cards expiring?
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.
Are Medicare cards sent automatically?
You should automatically receive your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthday. You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare after 24 months and should receive your Medicare card in the 25th month.
Is there a new black and white Medicare card?
Scammers falsely allege Medicare is issuing new plastic or metal Medicare cards or black and white Covid-19 Medicare cards. The scammers state that in order to get your new card, you need to provide personal identifying information such as your Medicare number, birth date or even financial account numbers.
Is Medicare changing their cards from paper to 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.
Why Am I Getting A New Medicare Card?
The biggest problem with the old Medicare card is that it includes the participant's Social Security number. Therefore, when someone's card is lost...
What Will The New Medicare Beneficiary Identifier Look like?
The Medicare Beneficiary Identifier is 11 characters long and can include both numbers and capital letters. The identifiers will be randomly chosen...
When Will I Get My New Medicare Card?
CMS will start sending new Medicare cards to participants in April. The agency will send out the new cards in seven waves based on where you live....
Do I Have to Do Anything in Order to Get A New Medicare Card?
No. CMS will send it to you automatically. As you'll see below, anyone who contacts you about needing to do anything to get your new card is likely...
Can I Still Use My Old Medicare Card?
CMS has established a 21-month transition period during which time participants can use either their new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier or their o...
Are Con Artists Trying to Take Advantage of The New Medicare Card?
Yes. One scam involves calling or emailing Medicare participants about the new cards. The criminals falsely state that they're Medicare representat...
Be Smart About Medicare Cards
Older Americans need Medicare coverage, and new Medicare cards will make it easier for the program to fight fraud and abuse. Be ready to see your n...
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!
Why was the original Medicare card modified?
The original card was modified to make it more secure and to protect the identity of all Medicare beneficiaries from fraudulent use. The initial transition period that took place from 2018 to 2019 provided scammers with a perfect opportunity to get personal information, and even money, from unsuspecting Medicare enrollees.
When will Medicare cards be sent out?
New Medicare cards are sent out three months before the month of a person’s 65th birthday. If you are waiting to get your Medicare benefits card but have not received it before your 65th birthday, be sure to contact your local Social Security Administration office or call a local CMS office.
What is the Medicare beneficiary identifier?
Your new card uses a unique number called your Medicare beneficiary identifier (MBI). This identifier is a combination of letters and numbers. You use this number whenever you visit a health care provider, hospital, or other medical facility. The information that is printed on the face of your new card is: your full name, your MBI, ...
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.
When will Medicare cards be mailed?
The cards for the first two groups of states are set to be mailed between April and June.
How long is the Medicare card identifier?
The Medicare Beneficiary Identifier is 11 characters long and can include both numbers and capital letters. The identifiers will be randomly chosen and therefore be clearly different from Social Security numbers, so you shouldn't expect to see all or part of your Social Security number appear in the identifier on your new Medicare card.
Why is Medicare important?
Medicare provides essential support for millions of older Americans in protecting their health. Those who choose to join Medicare receive a card that identifies them as Medicare participants, and for decades, the design of the Medicare card stayed the same. Recently, concerns about the potential for fraud and identity theft led ...
When will Medicare transition to Social Security?
CMS has established a 21-month transition period during which time participants can use either their new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier or their old Social Security-based Health Insurance Claim Number. The period is expected to run through the end of 2019.
What happens if someone loses their Medicare card?
Therefore, when someone's card is lost or stolen, it not only threatens to create problems with Medicare-related fraud, but also risks broader financial identity theft.
When will Medicare remove Social Security numbers?
Congressional legislation passed in 2015 required CMS to remove Social Security numbers from Medicare cards by April 2019. Instead, the current Health Insurance Claim Number -- which is identical to one's Social Security number -- will get replaced by the new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier.
What to do once you get your new card?
Moreover, once you get your new card, protect it in the same way that you would a Social Security card, driver's license, passport, or other primary identification documents. That's a critical step to avoid fraud going forward.
What is the new Medicare card?
The new Medicare health insurance cards are red, white and blue paper (not plastic). There is a blue arching swath at the top with an eagle icon in the left corner and it says “MEDICARE HEALTH INSURANCE”. A red stripe is across the bottom.
How to replace Medicare card if lost?
How to Replace a Lost Card. If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can ask for a replacement by using your online my Social Security account, even if you don’t yet receive Social Security benefits. If don’t already have a Social Security on-line account, you can create one online.
How to report suspicious calls to Medicare?
Suspicious calls can be reported by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) your local Senior Medicare Patrol, a federally funded service for people on Medicare and their families. The ONLY times a Medicare plan can call you is if you have telephoned them and left a message. 4. New Card — Same Benefits.
How many characters are on Medicare card?
The new cards use an 11 character (both letters and numbers) Medicare identifier. However, only share your Medicare identifier with your healthcare professionals — no one else needs this information. 3. Beware About New Types of Fraud.
Does Medicare coverage change with a new card?
New Card — Same Benefits. Your Medicare coverage does not change with the new card. Your benefits stay the same. 5. You Still Need Your Other Medicare Supplemental Cards. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicaid a Medicare drug plan or other supplemental coverage, you still need those cards and will need to present them to your medical ...
Is Social Security up to date?
The government is currently about half way through sending out the new Medicare cards. So, if your Social Security contact information is up to date, you should not have any problems receiving the card. (To update your contact information, visit mySocial Security account .) Don’t worry if your neighbor has received their card and you have not.
Does Medicare have a new number?
In response to privacy concerns about the old Medicare cards that included your Social Security number on them, Medicare is in the process of issuing new Medicare cards. The new cards have a new number, but not much else is changing.
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.
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 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 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.
