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.
Mailing millions of Medicare cards takes some time, so you might get your card at a different time than friends or neighbors in your area. Want to know when to expect your new card? Visit Medicare.gov/NewCard and sign up to get email alerts from Medicare. Medicare will send you an email when cards start mailing in your state, and also email you about other important Medicare topics.
You can also sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account and see when your card is mailed. (If you don’t have a MyMedicare.gov account yet, visit MyMedicare.gov to create one.) Once your new card has mailed, you can sign in anytime to see your new Medicare number or print a copy of your 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
For more information about your new Medicare card, visit Medicare.gov/NewCard. You can also visit Medicare.gov for tips to prevent Medicare fraud.
https://blog.ssa.gov/new-medicare-cards-are-on-the-way/
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