Watch your mail! New Medicare cards being issued
If you are a senior resident of Pennsylvania and eligible for Medicare benefits, you should have recently received a new Medicare card.
In April of 2018, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiated a year-long process of sending all Medicare beneficiaries a new Medicare card. Beneficiaries in Pennsylvania are among the first groups of seniors to receive new cards and you should have received yours between April and June.
The new cards have a unique Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) that allows for removal of the Social Security number. Medicare should have automatically mailed a new card at no cost to beneficiaries at the address on file with Social Security.
Here are a few important facts to keep in mind about your Medicare card:
- Destroy your old card. Once you receive your new Medicare card, destroy your old one and start using your new one right away.
- Guard your information. Only provide your new Medicare number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or other people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
- Your Medicare number is unique to you. Your card has a new number instead of your Social Security number.
- Your new card is paper. Paper cards are easier for many providers to use and copy, and they save taxpayers a lot of money. Plus, you can print a replacement if needed.
- Keep your new card with you. Carry your new card with you and show it to your health care providers when you need care.
- Your doctor knows it’s coming. Doctors and other health care providers and facilities will ask for your new Medicare card when you need care.
- You can find your number. If you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other health care provider will be able to look up your Medicare number online.
- Keep your Medicare Advantage Card. 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 also.
Help is available: If you haven’t received your new Medicare card or if you have other questions about Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) or 1-877-486-2048 for TTY users.
