New Medicare cards are on their way!
The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) began mailing new Medicare cards in April 2018 to individuals with Medicare. Cards will be mailed in phases based on geographic locations and other factors. All existing individuals with Medicare will have their card replaced by April 2019. Individuals can get information regarding these mailings by signing up at https://www.medicare.gov/newcard/ to receive emails about the status of cards mailing in their area.
New Medicare cards are being sent in an effort to combat identity theft. The old Health Insurance Claim Numbers (HICNs) will be phased out and replaced with a new Medicare Beneficiary ID (MBI). The MBI is a unique, randomly-assigned number that replaces the current Social Security-based HICN number.
Key Messages from CMS
CMS will include simple, direct instructions with the new card mailings. In addition, CMS has provided the following information for all individuals with Medicare:
- Make sure your mailing address is up to date. If your address needs to be corrected, contact Social Security at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount or call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
- Beware of anyone who contacts you about your new Medicare card. CMS will never ask you to give them personal or private information to get your new Medicare number and card.
- Understand that mailing everyone a new card will take some time. Your card might arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.
- Once you get your new card, destroy your old card and start using your new card right away.