Starting in April 2018, Medicare will be sending new medicare ID cards. As a part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, social security numbers must be removed from all Medicare ID cards by 2019. What’s changing and when will you receive your new card? Keep reading to find out!
New Medicare ID Cards
The new Medicare cards will replace social security numbers with an 11-character Medicare Number. The new “numbersâ€, known as Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers or MBIs, are meant to decrease the risk of identity theft and fraud. Your card will automatically be sent to you and you need only ensure your address is current.
When will I receive my new card?
Medicare began sending cards in April 2018. If you are a Florida resident your replacement card will be sent after June 2018. Until then, you can continue using your current card.
What do I do when I receive my new card?
Once you have received your new card you should begin using it immediately and destroy your old card. There will be a transition period from the time you receive your card until January 1, 2020 when only new cards will be accepted. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan then the card you hold for that will still be your main identification, but you should carry your new Medicare card as well.
If you need more information please visit the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services website.