Everything You Need to Know About the New Medicare Cards
April 17, 2019 | Todd Lewison
Why Are There New Medicare Cards?
Medicare has issued new cards to take safety precautions to protect your identity. Before April 2018, your Medicare number was based on a Social Security number. However, this updated Medicare card gives you a new Medicare number that is not based on your Social Security number. The separation of the Medicare number and the Social Security number makes it more difficult for identity thieves to attain both numbers.
What Should You Do With Your Old Medicare Card?
Once you receive your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card so that scammers won’t be able to access your personal information. The best way to destroy your Medicare card is to shred it so that no one can piece together the information on the old card.
Steps to Take if You Haven’t Received Your New Medicare Card
First, check for any unopened mail around your house. If you haven’t received your new Medicare card, you can sign into MyMedicare.gov to print off your official card or get your updated Medicare number.
What Will The New Medicare Card Look Like?
Your new Medicare card will be made of paper (not plastic) so that it will be easier for trusted providers to use and copy. The new card will still be white with blue, black and red print, but it will have its own unique Medicare number instead of having your Social Security number printed on the card.
You are now ready to use your new Medicare card! If you have any questions about your new Medicare card, don’t hesitate to contact the knowledgeable and helpful Medicare Agents at Twin City Underwriters.
References:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/31/business/new-medicare-cards.html
