Medicare Blog

why does my medicare card have husbands ss number

by Zaria Sauer Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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The code may only appear on your Medicare card but it is assigned by the Social Security Administration to identify the category you qualify under to claim benefits. The number portion could be your spouse's Social Security number to indicate you qualify for benefits because of your relationship to them.May 19, 2016

Can I claim my husband's Medicare number on my social security?

You are currently claiming wife's benefits on your husband's record. (That little symbol "B" is Social Security's code for wife's benefits.) So as long as you are claiming wife's benefits, your husband's number with a B behind it is your Medicare number.

Why is my Social Security number not the same as Medicare number?

This issue exists because the Health Care Financing Administration, the agency that runs the Medicare program, chose a long time ago to simply use the Social Security claim number as the Medicare number.

Will my Social Security number match my wife's benefits?

What it will match is your Social Security claim number, which may be different from your regular Social Security number. You are currently claiming wife's benefits on your husband's record. (That little symbol "B" is Social Security's code for wife's benefits.) So as long as you are claiming wife's benefits,...

What does the B mean on my husband's Social Security number?

You are currently claiming wife's benefits on your husband's record. (That little symbol "B" is Social Security's code for wife's benefits.) So as long as you are claiming wife's benefits, your husband's number with a B behind it is your Medicare number. Once you reach age 70 and switch to your own Social Security,...

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Do husband and wife have the same Medicare number?

This is your Medicare number. You are currently claiming wife's benefits on your husband's record. (That little symbol "B" is Social Security's code for wife's benefits.) So as long as you are claiming wife's benefits, your husband's number with a B behind it is your Medicare number.

Why do I have two Medicare numbers?

The front of your Medicare card indicates whether you are enrolled in Part A and/or Part B under the heading “IS ENTITLED TO.” If you are enrolled in the Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan or Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan, that information appears on a separate card and not on your Medicare card.

Are Medicare and Social Security linked?

You'll get Medicare automatically if you're already receiving Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits. For example, if you took retirement benefits starting at age 62, you'll be enrolled in Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.

What do the numbers mean on my Medicare card?

A Medicare Individual Reference Number (IRN) is a number that represents the position of a person on a Medicare card. For example, a person who is listed second on a Medicare Card has an IRN of 2. The IRN appears to the left of the patient's name on their Medicare card. This is not a unique identifier.

Can you have 2 Medicare numbers?

You can only be on 2 Medicare cards at the same time. Once you're 15 years or older you can get your own Medicare card. Read more about getting your Medicare card.

Are Medicare Part A and B numbers the same?

Your card has a Medicare Number that's unique to you — it's not your Social Security Number. This helps protect your identity. The card shows: You have Medicare Part A (listed as HOSPITAL), Part B (listed as MEDICAL), or both.

Does everyone on Social Security get Medicare?

Will a beneficiary get Medicare coverage? Everyone eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is also eligible for Medicare after a 24-month qualifying period. The first 24 months of disability benefit entitlement is the waiting period for Medicare coverage.

Do I have to be on Social Security to get Medicare?

Collecting Social Security is by no means a prerequisite to getting Medicare. In fact, it's often advisable to sign up for Medicare as soon as you're eligible (assuming you don't have other health coverage) but wait on Social Security to avoid a reduction in benefits, or boost them as much as possible.

How many names can you have on a Medicare card?

A maximum of five names can be included on a card. Families with more than five members will have additional names listed on additional cards, while retaining the same card number.

Does your Medicare card number change?

You'll have the same Medicare number that you did before, only the last digit will change....Replacing your lost, stolen or damaged cardusing your Medicare online account through myGov.the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.calling the Medicare program.

How do I change my name on my Medicare card after marriage?

You can call us on the Medicare program line to make some updates to your name or date of birth. You'll need to prove your identity over the phone. Updates we can make for you over the phone include: changing your legal name, for example changing from a maiden to married name.

What is the B on my husband's Social Security number?

You are currently claiming wife's benefits on your husband's record. (That little symbol "B" is Social Security's code for wife's benefits.) So as long as you are claiming wife's benefits, your husband's number with a B behind it is your Medicare number.

What is the code for a second Medicare card?

Then when you turned 66 and filed for husband's benefits on your wife's record, you got your second Medicare card, this one with your wife's Social Security number with the code B1 behind it. B1 is the code SSA uses to designate someone getting husband's benefits on his wife's Social Security account.

What happens when you switch to your own Social Security?

Once you reach age 70 and switch to your own Social Security, you will then be claiming your own retirement benefits, so you will get a new Medicare card that will have your own Social Security number with an A after it. (That A is Social Security's code for retirement benefits.)

When do you have to get a Medicare number?

And third, when you reached age 70, you switched from your wife's account to your own retirement benefits. So at age 65, they had to give you a Medicare number.

Do baby boomers get spousal benefits from their husband's Social Security?

By Tom Margenau. One bit of fallout from the recent trend for retiring baby boomers who are maximizing their Social Security benefits by claiming, at least for a while, spousal benefits from their husband's or wife's Social Security account is some confusion over Medicare numbers. Today's first two questions deal with that issue.

Is it a mistake to claim widow's benefits?

A: No, it's not a mistake. As explained above, you are claiming widow's benefits on your husband's record, so your Social Security (and Medicare) claim number is your husband's — with a D after it. D is the SSA symbol for widow's benefits. If anyone is curious to learn the various letter symbols SSA uses to designate different kinds ...

Does Medicare match my Social Security number?

A: No, the number on your Medicare card will not always match your own Social Security number. What it will match is your Social Security claim number, which may be different from your regular Social Security number. You are currently claiming wife's benefits on your husband's record. (That little symbol "B" is Social Security's code ...

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.

Can you give your Medicare number to a doctor?

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 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!

What is the number to call for medicare?

If someone calls and asks for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits, hang up and call us 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) . TTY: 1-877-486-2048.

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 does Medicare show when you change your name?

My name changed — Your Medicare card shows the name you have on file with Social Security. Get details from Social Security if you legally changed your name.

Do you have to carry a Medicare card?

If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental coverage, carry that plan card with you too.

What does the number portion of a spouse's Social Security number mean?

The number portion could be your spouse’s Social Security number to indicate you qualify for benefits because of your relationship to them. The nature of your eligi­bility is then indicated by the letter code that follows.

What is the C code for Medicare?

Code C – this category applies to child Medicare benefi­ciaries. Numerical suffixes following “C” indicate the child’s relationship to the primary claimant. The youngest child gets code C1, the next youngest gets C2, and so on through C9 and then from CA to CZ.

What is a W1 card?

W is for widows and W1 is for widowers, while those who’ve been previ­ously married may have different W‑category codes. Most retiree’s Medicare cards currently begin with their Social Security number, which is the most valuable piece of infor­mation for an identity thief.

What is the code for widows?

Code E – this category applies to widows and widowers who are also parents of quali­fying children. “E” is a partic­u­larly compli­cated category given the many varia­tions.

When did Obama end Medicare cards?

President Obama signed a bill in 2015 that will end the use of these numbers on Medicare cards. Medicare has four years to start issuing cards with new identi­fiers.

Does Medicare card have a letter code?

Letter codes following the Social Security number on Medicare cards do not indicate the type of insurance.

Will Medicare change their claim number?

Medicare will eventually be changing their claim numbers to use something other than the claimant’s Social Security number .

Why did Medicare change the number?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made the number change to protect people using Medicare from identity theft or illegal use of Medicare benefits. 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.

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 do I get a replacement Medicare card?

If you lose or damage your Medicare card, you can go online to your personal account at the official Medicare website and print out a new one. You can also visit your local Social Security Administration office in person to get a replacement. If you suspect that someone else is using your MBI, or if your card is stolen, contact Medicare through their official toll-free number to report it and get a new card.

When will Medicare beneficiaries get their new card?

By December 31, 2019 , all Medicare beneficiaries should have their new card and should be ready to use their new identification number. If you have not received your card, or are not sure how to make the transition, contact Medicare or the Social Security Administration to get the information you need.

When will Medicare transition to new Medicare numbers?

This new number replaces the old Health Insurance Claims Number which will be totally phased out when the end of the transition period arrives on December 31, 2019.

Can you give your Medicare number to someone else?

Do not give your Medicare identification number to anyone other than those involved with your healthcare. 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.

When can I use my new MBI?

Although there are a few exceptions, you must use your new MBI to submit claims beginning on January 1, 2020. If you have Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Part D prescription drug policy, you can use your old cards for those policies as you did previously.

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