Have you heard the news? New Medicare cards are being issued to everyone starting next month and will no longer contain Social Security numbers going forward. Between April 2018 and April 2019, a new Medicare card will be mailed to each person and will have a randomly generated number that will be unique to only you in place of your Social Security number. The new card will not change your coverage or benefits. The removal of your Social Security number will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity.
What This Means for You
Removing your Social Security number from your Medicare card may help keep your private information out of the wrong hands. If you lose your card or your card is stolen, not having your Social Security number on the card may help lessen your chance of becoming an identity theft victim. Once you receive your new card in the mail, you can destroy your old card and start using the new one immediately.
While You’re Waiting for Your New Card
- Make sure your mailing address is up to date with Social Security. If your address needs to be corrected, contact Social Security at www.ssa.gov or (800) 772 – 1213.
- Never give your Medicare number or card to anyone unless there’s a legitimate reason, like if you’re at the doctor’s office or picking up a prescription at your pharmacy.
- Never give your private information to someone posing as a representative from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or other government agency, in case of identity theft. These types of criminals often phone you or knock on your door asking for your Medicare number or other private information. Medicare will never call you on the phone or knock on your door to ask for that type of information.
