The National Council on Aging [NCOA] recently sent this information to me and I hope you find it useful. I have also included some resources from Medicare.gov including the mailing schedule for the new cards. AgeDoc
New Medicare Cards: 5
Things You Need to Know Before They Arrive
by: The My Medicare
Matters Team at NCOA
Beginning April 2018, the Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be sending new Medicare cards to beneficiaries. The new
cards are being sent to decrease Medicare beneficiaries’ vulnerability to identity theft by removing the Social
Security-based number from their Medicare identification cards and replacing it
with a new unique Medicare Number.
Here’s what you need to know before
they arrive.
- Medicare cards will be sent between
April 2018 and April 2019. Make sure your address is up to date
because Medicare will be sending it to the location associated with your
Social Security account. To update your address information contact
Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or go online. https://www.ssa.gov/site/signin/en/
- Your new card will no longer
include your Social Security number. It will include your name, new
Medicare number, and the dates your Medicare Part
A and Part B coverage started.
- Start using your new Medicare
card once you receive it. Destroy the old one immediately, since it
contains your Social Security number. If you happen to lose or misplace
your card you can get a replacement, but you can also can access
your new Medicare number on a Medicare Summary Notice or through Medicare.
- Keep your Medicare
Advantage, Part D prescription, and/or Medigap. Continue using your health or
drug plan’s card when you get health care or fill a prescription, but know
you will also get the new Original
Medicare card.
- The Railroad
Retirement Board will issue new cards to Railroad Retirement
beneficiaries.
These are just a few quick tips to
keep in mind as new Medicare cards are issued. You can find additional
information on the release of Medicare’s new card on Medicare.gov.
New
Medicare card mailing schedule:
More
resources and details:
Watch out for scams
Medicare
will never call you uninvited and ask you to give us personal or private
information to get your new Medicare Number and card. Scam artists may try to get personal
information (like your current Medicare Number) by contacting you about your new
card. If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to
cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang
up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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