The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will send beneficiaries new Medicare cards to decrease their vulnerability to identity theft. Here’s what recipients should know.
- 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.
- 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 access your new Medicare number on a Medicare Summary Notice or through Medicare.
- Keep your Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription, or Medigap. Continue using your health or drug plan’s card when you get health care or fill an order, but know you will also get the new Original Medicare card.
- The Railroad Retirement Board will issue new cards to Railroad Retirement beneficiaries.