Medicare Blog

why does medicare still use your social security number

by Dr. Kelsie Streich Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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.May 17, 2018

Why do I need a new Social Security number for Medicare?

Sep 10, 2012 · The answer is that the federal government has been dragging its heels for years on making a change, because, according to various reports from the agency that oversees Medicare, the Centers for...

Are Social Security numbers being removed from Medicare cards?

Mar 17, 2017 · Medicare ID cards will remove Social Security numbers in 2018. Medicare is preparing to stop using Social Security numbers for identification next year and will send new cards to patients with Medicare ID numbers. The move is required by a law enacted two years ago to discourage identity theft. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently …

Does Medicare take your Social Security number when you get id?

May 17, 2018 · 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.

Why is there an a code on my Medicare card?

Apr 22, 2015 · Medicare cards will no longer use Social Security numbers as required by a measure in the big Medicare bill signed by President Obama last week. Since its inception, Medicare has used beneficiaries’ Social Security numbers as a part of the Medicare claim number, which is displayed on the red, white and blue Medicare card.

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When did Medicare stop using SSN?

April 2019Between 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.

Why does Medicare fit well with Social Security?

Both are designed to assist older Americans and distribute benefits to the disabled and their families. Social Security provides financial support, and Medicare is a health insurance program that helps cover doctor visits, hospital stays and other medical treatments.Dec 4, 2019

Is Medicare issuing new cards in 2021?

All Medicare beneficiaries will be receiving new Medicare cards with their MBI. Current beneficiaries will be mailed a replacement Medicare card and instructions, while individuals who are new to Medicare in or after April 2018 will receive a new Medicare card with their MBI upon enrollment.

Do you automatically get Medicare with Social Security?

You automatically get Medicare because you're getting benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board). Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. when you applied for benefits.

Does Medicare come out of Social Security check?

Yes. In fact, if you are signed up for both Social Security and Medicare Part B — the portion of Medicare that provides standard health insurance — the Social Security Administration will automatically deduct the premium from your monthly benefit.

Does Medicare Part A come out of your Social Security check?

No, Medicare Part A premiums may not be deducted directly from your Social Security check. However, most beneficiaries do not need to pay a premium for Part A. If you or your spouse have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years), you will likely qualify for premium-free Part A.Jan 14, 2022

Does your Medicare number ever change?

Normally your Medicare identification number does not change, but in 2015 the Medicare Access and CHIP Re-authorization Act was passed by the United States Congress.

Should you carry your Medicare card with you?

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.

Why am I getting so many phone calls about Medicare?

Phone calls Sometimes, they're selling phony products such as supplemental or prescription drug Medicare plans. The whole purpose of all of these calls is to obtain your personal information, whether that is your Medicare card number, your Social Security number, or banking information.

Can I get Medicare Part B for free?

While Medicare Part A – which covers hospital care – is free for most enrollees, Part B – which covers doctor visits, diagnostics, and preventive care – charges participants a premium. Those premiums are a burden for many seniors, but here's how you can pay less for them.Jan 3, 2022

Is Social Security and Medicare the same thing?

Social Security offers retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. Medicare provides health insurance. Because these services are often related, you may not know which agency to contact for help.

Is Medicare Part A free at age 65?

Most people age 65 or older are eligible for free Medical hospital insurance (Part A) if they have worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough. You can enroll in Medicare medical insurance (Part B) by paying a monthly premium. Some beneficiaries with higher incomes will pay a higher monthly Part B premium.

How to get a new Medicare card?

When you’ve received your new Medicare card, take these steps to protect your information and identity: 1 Destroy your old Medicare card right away. Make sure you destroy your old card to help protect your SSN and other personal information. 2 Start using your new Medicare card. Doctors, other health care providers, and plans approved by Medicare know that Medicare is replacing the old cards, so carry the new card with you. They are ready to accept your new card when you need care. Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same. 3 Keep your Medicare Advantage Plan card. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), keep using your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card whenever you need care. However, you should also carry your new Medicare card—you may be asked to show it. 4 Protect your Medicare Number like you would your credit cards. Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurer, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf. Beware of people contacting you about your new Medicare card and asking you for your Medicare number, personal information, or to pay a fee for your new card. Medicare will never contact you uninvited to ask for your personal information.

Does Medicare have a new 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.

When did my card ship?

Medicare began shipping new cards in April of 2018 and finished in June 2018. Medicare beneficiaries in every state who had Medicare at that point should have already received a new card.

How do I get a replacement card?

If your new card becomes lost or damaged, don’t panic. You can print a copy yourself at MyMedicare.gov.

What about Medicare Advantage and Part D cards?

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your card will not change unless you change plans. The same applies to your Medicare Part D prescription drug card.

When will Medicare remove Social Security numbers?

With a set deadline of April 2019 , the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) were lawfully required to remove Social Security numbers from Medicare cards. CMS began mailing new Medicare cards with the new Medicare identification number to all Medicare recipients in April of 2018, giving themselves a year to reach all recipients.

How many characters are in a MBI?

Your new MBI has 11 characters that consist of numbers and capital letters. To avoid confusion, an MBI will not contain the letters S, L, O, I, B, or Z. This number is generated at random and has no hidden significance.

Can Medicare call you?

Neither Medicare, nor the Social Security Administration will call you and ask you for your personal information. Do not fall prey to scammers making phone calls looking for information or asking for money. Keep yourself safe by hanging up and calling the administration back directly.

Who is Philip Moeller?

Editor’s Note: Journalist Philip Moeller, who writes widely on health and retirement, is here to provide the Medicare answers you need in “Ask Phil, the Medicare Maven.”. Send your questions to Phil. Moeller is a research fellow at the Center on Aging & Work at Boston College and co-. author of “How to Live to 100.”.

Is Medicare a primary payer?

The rules for these small-employer plans may require Medicare to become the primary payer of insurance claims with the employer plan the secondary payer. Even if you work for a larger employer, you are very smart to want to check out these matters ahead of time.

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