Every Medicare beneficiary is about to receive a new and improved health insurance card! The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says the replacement cards are more secure. They’re being issued to help protect your identity and keep your personal information safe.
Full Answer
When will Medicare beneficiaries get new ID cards without Social Security numbers?
Medicare beneficiaries are getting new ID cards soon that won't carry their Social Security numbers, the Health and Human Services Department said Tuesday. Congress had told HHS to get the cards replaced by 2019 to fight identity theft. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) said people will start getting new cards next April.
How much does it cost to replace a paper Medicare ID?
Early in September, a man called unexpectedly and offered her a plastic chip card to replace her paper Medicare ID. Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Limited time offer. Sign Up Today
Will I get a new chip ID card if I'm on Medicare?
En español | If you're on Medicare, be aware: You will not be receiving a new chip card to replace your paper ID card. If somebody tells you that, they're lying. It's the latest Medicare scam. A 73-year-old widow in a small town in North Dakota learned about it the hard way.
Should I Keep my Medicare Advantage plan ID 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. Even if you are in an Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you also may be asked to show your Medicare card, so keep it with you.
How long is the transition period for Medicare?
There will also be a 21-month transition period where doctors, healthcare providers, and suppliers will be able to use either their current SSN-based Medicare Number or their new, unique Medicare number, to ease the transition.
What is the new Medicare card?
The new Medicare card contains a unique, randomly-assigned number that replaces the current Social Security-based number.
Does Medicare have a new number?
CMS has assigned all people with Medicare benefits a new, unique Medicare number, which contains a combination of numbers and uppercase letters. People with Medicare will receive a new Medicare card in the mail, and will be instructed to safely and securely destroy their current Medicare card and keep their new Medicare number confidential.
What is the new Medicare card?
The new cards will use a unique, randomly-assigned number called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), to replace the Social Security-based Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) currently used on the Medicare card.
Why are Social Security numbers removed from Medicare cards?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is readying a fraud prevention initiative that removes Social Security numbers from Medicare cards to help combat identity theft, and safeguard taxpayer dollars.
When did CMS testify?
CMS testified on Tuesday, May 23 rd before the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means Subcommittee on Social Security and U.S. House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform Subcommittee on Information Technology, addressing CMS’s comprehensive plan for the removal of Social Security numbers and transition to MBIs.
When will Medicare cards be replaced?
CMS will begin mailing new cards in April 2018 and will meet the congressional deadline for replacing all Medicare cards by April 2019. Today, CMS kicks-off a multi-faceted outreach campaign to help providers get ready for the new MBI.
When will Medicare cards be replaced?
Congress had told HHS to get the cards replaced by 2019 to fight identity theft. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) said people will start getting new cards next April.
How many characters are in the new identifier?
The new identifier will be 11 characters long and will include letters and numbers. Maggie Fox. Maggie Fox is a senior writer for NBC News and TODAY, covering health policy, science, medical treatments and disease.
Will Medicare replace Social Security numbers?
Medicare Starts Replacing Social Security Numbers on ID Cards. Congress had told HHS to get the cards replaced by 2019 to fight identity theft. Close up view of a Medicare card. SuperStock / Newscom. Medicare beneficiaries are getting new ID cards soon that won't carry their Social Security numbers, the Health and Human Services Department said ...
What is the main card for Medicare?
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.
What to call if you don't get a new Medicare card?
If you didn’t get a new card or need a replacement, call 800 -MEDICARE (633-4227) . Operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The representative can order you a new card.
When will Medicare beneficiaries receive their new ID?
Congress mandated that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mail new identification cards to all Medicare beneficiaries by April 2019. The new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), is an 11-character, randomly assigned number that has no connection to an enrollee’s personal information.
Can Medicare call to ask for a beneficiary's number?
CMS stresses that Medicare will never call to ask for a beneficiary’s Medicare number or other personal information.
Do you have to bring your new Medicare card to the doctor?
En español | Next time you go to the doctor or other health care provider, be sure to bring your new Medicare card and make sure they have your new number on file. The federal health insurance program’s more than 61 million enrollees have received the new identification, which replaces Social Security numbers with a combination of letters and numbers that federal officials say will help protect against identity theft and fraud.
Why do people use chip cards?
A chip card, the size of a debit or credit card, contains a microchip to encrypt transactions for greater data security. But protecting your data is the last thing bad actors want. Often they aim to defraud the taxpayer-financed Medicare program — or to steal your identity and rip you off.
What to do when a stranger calls and asks for personal information?
Wolff, whose sister was victimized, echoes the advice of law enforcement experts on what to do when a stranger calls and asks for personal information: Hang up. “Be suspicious of those phone calls that come unsolicited. Have a high index of suspicion,” she said. “Don't try to be nice or polite or whatever. Just hang up the phone.” Scam callers “are not being polite to you, so you don't want to be polite to them."
What is the AARP fraud helpline?
AARP’s Fraud Watch Network can help you spot and avoid scams. Sign up for free Watchdog Alerts, review our scam-tracking map, or call our toll-free fraud helpline at 877-908-3360 if you or a loved one suspect you’ve been a victim.
How old was the widow when she got a plastic chip card?
A 73-year-old widow in a small town in North Dakota learned about it the hard way. Early in September, a man called unexpectedly and offered her a plastic chip card to replace her paper Medicare ID.
Why did Wolff know the caller was a scammer?
Wolff knew the caller was a scammer from the get-go. She works with a local hospital and community health center, visiting older folks in their homes to ensure they have the services and equipment they need. Her work led her to suspect that the caller asked about her sister's physical attributes, such as her height, weight and pants size, because he wanted to cheat the government by billing for unneeded durable medical equipment (DME).
Is Medicare a scam in North Dakota?
North Dakota Attorney General's Office. North Dakota Assistant Attorney General Parrell Grossman calls the emerging Medicare scam 'dangerous'. A consumer alert to North Dakotans is going out soon, said Grossman, who called the scam “particularly dangerous” since some consumers gave up what he called “unique” and “important” identifiers.
When did Medicare start?
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.