By now, new Medicare cards have been issued to everyone and will no longer contain Social Security numbers going forward. The new Medicare cards were mailed to each person in 2019 and 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. However, 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.
Haven’t Received 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.
