You will be getting a new Medicare Card!! The centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are mailing new cards to beneficiaries and will mail them through April of 2019. These cards will have a unique number called a Medicare Beneficiary Number (or MBI)
The centers are advising that you may not share your numbers with anyone that you do not trust to work with Medicare on your behalf, for anyone that for it is personally identifiable information. The Social Security Administration should be the only party to discuss this number with beneficiaries.
A few additional things to know about your new cards:
- The cards are being mailed out now through April of 2019. Your card may arrive at a different time than a friend or neighbors might arrive to them so don’t be alarmed if you do not yours at the same time or even around the same time.
- Destroy your old card and begin using your new card right away.
- Keep your card safely protected. Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers or people that you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
- Your number is unique to you and in being used in place of your social security number.
- Keep your new card with you in the event that your healthcare providers need to see it at any time.
- Doctors and other healthcare providers know that new cards are being issued and will ask for your new card to update your records with them.
- If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like and HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare but you should also carry your new card with you as well for you might be asked for it also.
- If you do not receive your new Medicare card by April 2019 call (800) 633-4227
- Additional information is available at: https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-and-resources/your-medicare-card.html
Since the new Medicare card has a unique number assigned to you only be sure that you treat it like your social security card or driver license. Keep it safe at all times.