New Medicare Cards in the Mail
We know: You’re inundated with info about Medicare and Medicare supplement options. Open enrollment makes fall feel like an election year – every year – with the amount of junk mail stuffed in your box.
But soon you’ll receive one piece of mail you definitely don’t want to throw out, recycle or overlook – your new Medicare ID card.
CMS started mailing new Medicare ID cards on April 1. In an effort to better protect your identity, the cards no longer have your Social Security Number. Instead, you’ll have a new unique Medicare ID.
Dos and don’ts
There are three important things to do when you get your new card:
- Do destroy. Get rid of your old card. It’s no longer valid but it still has your Social Security Number on it so cut it up or send it through the paper shredder.
- Do use. Start using your new card right away. Your doctor knows it’s coming. There’s no need to activate it like you would a credit card.
- Don’t share. Medicare.gov will never contact you for personal info. They assigned the number to you so there’s no need for them to ask you for it. If someone asks for your new Medicare ID, there’s a good chance it’s fraud.
Don’t freak out
Remember, nearly 50 million people above the age of 65 will receive new cards. CMS says all new cards will be delivered by April 1, 2019. So if your friend or neighbor gets their card in the mail before you do, don’t panic. It’s on the way. Just keep using your old card until the new one arrives.
Let’s chat
Have questions about the new cards, Medicare in general or Med Supp plans? Contact the Rauber Agency. We’re a Medicare broker and can help. You can also visit Medicare.gov for the latest updates.
