why did i get a new medicare card in the mail

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.

Full Answer

What happens when you get a new Medicare card?

New Medicare Cards Are on the Way. 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.

Do the new Medicare cards have your Social Security number?

The new cards no longer contain a person’s Social Security number, replacing it with a unique, randomly-assigned Medicare number designed to protect people’s identities.

Why do I need to Change my Medicare card address?

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!

When can I Use my Medicare card?

If you are enrolled in Original Medicare, you’ll use your Medicare card when you’re at the doctor’s office or in the hospital. (If you are enrolled in an MA plan, you’ll use your MA card). Billing specialists and providers will ask to see your card so they know whom to bill.

Why is Medicare sending out new 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.

Is Medicare sending out a new Medicare card?

In April, Medicare began sending its members new cards with unique eleven-digit account numbers, ending the previous reliance on SSA numbers. The transition to new cards and numbers is ongoing and is scheduled to be completed in December of 2019.

Does Medicare issue a new card every year?

As long as you continue paying the required premiums, your Medicare coverage (and your Medicare card) should automatically renew every year.

Are new Medicare cards being issued for 2020?

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.

Does Medicare renew automatically?

Do Medicare Supplement insurance plans renew automatically? Yes, coverage is guaranteed renewable on an automatic basis as long as premium payments are maintained.

Can someone steal your identity with your Medicare card?

Medical identity theft happens when someone steals or uses your personal information (like your name, Social Security Number, or Medicare Number) to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health insurers without your permission. Medicare is working to find and prevent fraud and abuse.

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.

Will the new Medicare cards be plastic?

Medicare isn't issuing new cards and Medicare employees don't contact participants through unsolicited calls, emails, or visits. Medicare communicates with beneficiaries via mail. Scammers falsely allege Medicare is issuing new plastic or metal Medicare cards or black and white Covid-19 Medicare cards.

Is it OK to laminate your Medicare card?

You'll definitely want to take good care of your Medicare card – don't lose track of it, and keep it in good condition. However, the Social Security Administration doesn't recommend laminating important identification cards because the plastic coating may interfere with the card's security features.

When did Medicare send out new cards?

April 2018Medicare is mailing new Medicare cards starting in April 2018.

How often are Medicare cards issued?

Medicare cards are valid for 5 years. We'll send you a new card before your old one expires. You don't have to do anything unless your address has changed. If it has, update your details so the card gets to you.

How do I update my Medicare card?

You can do this by:using your Medicare online account through myGov.the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.calling the Medicare program.

When will Medicare cards be removed?

Congress required the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to remove Social Security numbers from Medicare cards by April 2019.

Do Medicare Advantage cards have Social Security numbers?

The roughly 21.5 million seniors who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage should continue using the cards provided by their insurance carriers, which don't contain Social Security numbers. However, their providers may still want a copy of their new Medicare cards.

Does Medicare have a fee for activation?

Though the effort is designed to help minimize fraud, it has sparked a series of scams. Medicare wants enrollees to know that they don't have to do anything to receive their cards (as long as their address is correct), and there is no activation process or fee.

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 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!

When will Medicare start sending new cards?

In April, Medicare began sending its members new cards with unique eleven-digit account numbers, ending the previous reliance on SSA numbers. The transition to new cards and numbers is ongoing and is scheduled to be completed in December of 2019.

How to get a new Medicare card?

Medicare has posted information about the new cards. You should know: 1 There is no fee for the new card; it will be mailed to you automatically as long as your address is up to date. 2 Medicare will never call you uninvited to request personal or private information in order for you to get your new Medicare number and card. 3 If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don't share your personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For more information visit www.medicare.gov/fraud.

Can Medicare scammers steal your money?

Medicare scammers may use different angles in attempts to steal your money or your identity: Some callers may request payment for the new Medicare card, according to a Detroit Free Press article. Others may pose as medical insurers and threaten to cancel your insurance if you don't share information from the new card.

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 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.

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.

Protect Your Medicare Card

It is very important to note that your Medicare card should be carefully guarded. Just as you would protect a credit card or your Social Security card, you should guard your Medicare card in the same fashion, as it contains sensitive information.

Your Medicare Card When To Expect It

If you are already receiving retirement benefits: If you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you should automatically receive your Medicare card in the mail about three months before you turn 65. If you qualify for Social Security benefits, you will automatically qualify for Medicare Part A as well.

How Do You Get Another Medicare Card

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

Who Can Apply For A Medicare Card

To qualify for any type of federal Medicare coverage plan, you must be a United States citizen or legal United States resident of five years or more and of at least 65 years of age. You are also eligible to receive Medicare benefits if you are a disabled person of any age, who is:

I Threw Out My Medicare Card

I turn 65 in two weeks. I called to enroll in a drug plan and the agent asked for my Medicare number. He said because I am on Social Security, I should have received my Medicare card by now. Is that true? I am getting so much Medicare stuff in the mail, maybe I threw it out. What should I do now?

Can You Still See Your Doctor If You Lose Your Card

You should be able to. If your doctors office has a recent copy of your Medicare card, they may already have your Medicare information on file. Many health practices update their records annually and may ask for your card.

How Do I Get A Replacement Medicare Card

Your Medicare card is proof of your Medicare insurance. If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can request a replacement with your personal mySocial Security account.