Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?
March 22, 2024 | John Demko
Shortly before your 65th birthday or when you sign up for Medicare, you’ll receive a red, white and blue paper card – this is your official Medicare card. Your Medicare card will be used for many things, such as receiving health care services from Medicare-approved providers, and you will need to provide your card if you decide to enroll in additional Medicare coverage beyond Original Medicare. At Twin City Underwriters, we’ve heard all the Medicare questions you can think of, and one of the most common non-coverage-related questions we get is – ‘can I laminate my medicare card?’. So we are giving you the answer straight and all the additional details you’ll want to know when asking yourself – to laminate or not to laminate!
Can I Laminate my Medicare Card?
The answer to the question you’ve been searching for is no. Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) indicate that you are not supposed to laminate your Medicare or Social Security card. The main reason for this, the government agencies claim, is that lamination can prevent the detection of certain security features on the card. The same is true for one social security card. If you have already laminated your Medicare card, don’t worry; you will not be reprimanded or fined.
What we recommend doing instead is keeping your Medicare card inside a removable plastic card protector.
What Else Should I Know About My Medicare Card?
Now that you understand why laminating your Medicare card is not recommended let’s look at some other tips for effectively using your Medicare coverage and Medicare card.
Should I Take My Card with Me?
If you need your Medicare card but also want to keep your personal information safe, then you may be wondering if you should take it with you everywhere you go. The answer to this depends on your Medicare coverage.
As explained by Medicare.gov:
If you have Original Medicare (with or without a Medigap policy):
- Carry your Medicare card when you’re away from home
- Show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider when you receive services
- If you have a Medigap policy or Medicare drug plan, carry those plan cards with you as well
If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan:
- Use your MA/MAPD plan’s card when going in for health care services rather than your Medicare card
- Keep your Medicare card in a safe place in case you switch plans or go back to Original Medicare later
Related Article: What To Know About Your Medicare Card
Keep It Safe
It’s important to keep your Medicare card protected and safeguarded as Medicare fraud is a growing concern, and scammers are getting even more elaborate and deceitful with their tactics to trick seniors into releasing their personal Medicare information. If you suspect that you may have shared your medicare information with an untrustworthy source, you can report Medicare fraud and abuse here: Report Medicare Fraud and Abuse
Medicare Guidance You Can Count On
We know that medicare questions don’t just stop after you’ve enrolled. This is why having a dedicated Medicare partner available year-round can be so beneficial. At Twin City Underwriters, we’ve developed the SurePlan® Medicare System to ensure seniors like you get the support they need. Our promise is to be there for you every step of your Medicare journey to ensure your plan meets your individual lifestyle needs and provides year-round support and a guaranteed annual review.
Find out more about our Sureplan® Medicare System
Choosing a Medicare plan can be difficult. Twin City Underwriters helps Medicare recipients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Florida find the Medicare plan that meets their unique needs. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our Medicare insurance brokers to get your questions answered!
Do you need help with Medicare, insurance and health plans? Explore your options with Allina Health Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, Medica, UCare, United HealthCare and more. We work with you to find the best plan for your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.
