New Medicare cards are on their way!
Between April 2018 and April 2019, keep your eyes open for an important piece of mail from federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS is issuing new ID cards for people with Medicare.
If you’re a family member or a caregiver for someone receiving Medicare, make sure to watch your mailbox. You’ll want to ensure the new card doesn’t get mistaken for junk mail.
New Medicare Cards Protect Against Identity Theft
Medicare is issuing new cards to provide extra protection against identity theft. Currently, a member’s Medicare ID number — also called the Health Insurance Claim Number, or HICN — is the cardholder’s Social Security number. As you can imagine, a Social Security number in the wrong hands can lead to identity theft.
Three years ago, the Reauthorization Act of 2015 was passed. This law requires the old numbers on Medicare cards to be replaced with new numbers. The new ID numbers have also been given a new name. Now, they are known as a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI).
New Medicare cards will be distributed geographically, as determined by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). They will be mailed to members within the next twelve months, from April 2018 to April 2019.
However, there is one important exception. People who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (like an HMO or PPO) will continue to use their plan’s ID card as their main card for Medicare. Medicare Advantage cards already have a unique ID number that is not a Social Security number. Also, Medicare prescription drug plans will continue to assign and use their own cards.
Things to Know About Your New Member ID Card:
- The card is free – there is NO charge.
- The new card provides you with the same benefits you received from the old card. There will be NO changes in your coverage.
- If you need to update your address, go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount or call 800-772-1213.
- After you receive your new card, destroy your old card. This will prevent confusion and help you avoid possible identity theft.
- Always be wary when people contact you to request personal information, ask for your Medicare number, or tell you there’s a fee for your new card. As stated, the new card is free and your personal information is already in the CMS system. Never reveal sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account info, to someone who calls out of the blue.
New Medicare cards will protect you or your loved one from identity theft and give you greater peace of mind. It’s another positive step toward protecting seniors against fraud and abuse.
If you have any questions, Eldercare Services is happy to assist you or your loved one. Call (866) 324-0263 to speak with a representative.