New Medicare ID Cards are Coming Soon
The Social Security Number (SSN) based Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) from Medicare ID cards are being removed to help prevent fraud and fight identity theft.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will mail out new Medicare ID cards between April 2018 and April 2019 with a unique new Medicare number.
Getting everyone new Medicare cards will take time. Medicare member’s will receive their cards at different times over the next year. One member’s card might arrive at a different time than their friend’s or neighbor’s card.
If you have a Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy in addition to Medicare, your insurance member ID cards and policy number are not impacted by this change. You do not need to notify your insurance carrier of the new Medicare number.
10 things to know about your new Medicare card
1. Your new card will automatically come to you. You don’t need to do anything as long as your address is up to date. If you need to update your address, visit your mySocial Security account.
2. Your new card will have a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This will help to protect your identity.
3. Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.
4. Mailing takes time. Your card may arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.
5. Your new card is paper, which is easier for many providers to use and copy.
6. Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card right away.
7. 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. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card too.
8. Doctors, other health care providers and facilities know it’s coming and will ask for your new Medicare card when you need care, so carry it with you.
9. Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
10. If you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.
Watch out for scams
Medicare will never call you uninvited and ask you to give them 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 Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Learn more about the limited situations in which Medicare can call you.
