Is MBI the same as Medicare number?

Asked by: Ms. Winnifred Eichmann  |  Last update: August 11, 2022
Score: 4.1/5 (56 votes)

The Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) is the new identification number that has replaced SSN-based health insurance claim numbers (HICNs) on all Medicare transactions, such as billing, claim submissions and appeals.

How do I find my Medicare Beneficiary Identification Code?

This number is located on your Medicare card. It is also on most of the documentation you receive from Medicare or the Social Security Administration. Alternatively, you can also visit your local Social Security Administration office or call Social Security to get your number.

How many digits is a Medicare MBI number?

The MBI has 11 characters, like the Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN), which can have up to 11. Will the MBI's characters have any meaning? Each MBI is randomly generated. This makes MBIs different than HICNs, which are based on the Social Security Numbers (SSNs) of people with Medicare.

What does Medicare MBI mean?

We removed Social Security Number (SSN)-based Health Insurance Claim Numbers (HICNs) from Medicare cards and are now using Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBIs) for Medicare transactions like billing, eligibility status, and claim status.

What is a patient MBI number?

Published 09/21/2020. The Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) Lookup tool allows providers to use our secure eServices online portal to obtain the new MBI number when patients do not present their Medicare card.

How to Find Medicare Your Number (Without Your Card)

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What is my Medicare number on the card?

You can find your Medicare number on your Medicare card. Or you can sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account to view your number. You can use this account to not only view your number but print an official copy of your card.

What is the Medicare number format?

MBI will contain Numbers and letters (Uppercase), that will use 0 to 9 numbers and all letters from A to Z, they have excluded S,L,O,I,B and Z so that will help all characters to easier to read. The MBI's 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th characters will always be a letter. Characters 1, 4, 7, 10, and 11 will always be a number.

What does a MBI look like?

On a Medicare card, an MBI will appear similar to this: 1EG4-TE5-MK73. The second, fifth, eighth, and ninth characters are always letters while the first, fourth, seventh, tenth, and eleventh characters are always numbers. You can visit cms.gov for more information on the format of an MBI.

When did Medicare switch to MBI numbers?

Beginning in April 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began issuing new Medicare identification (ID) cards.

What is a beneficiary identification code?

What are Beneficiary Identification Codes (BIC)? BICs indicate the type of benefits a Social Security claimant receives and are used as Medicare claim numbers. These codes are not assigned to a claim number until the claimant applies for Social Security benefits.

Does your Medicare number change when you get a new card?

Your new card will replace your old card. You'll have the same Medicare number that you did before, only the last digit will change. Your old card will no longer be valid. We'll send your new card to the address you give us, in 3 to 4 weeks.

Why would a Medicare MBI number change?

Because the MBIs are intended to better protect patient identity, Medicare beneficiaries can ask to change their MBI in the event the number has been compromised. CMS also can initiate a change to the MBI.

How many digits is the new Medicare number?

The MBI format is still 11 characters long, contains numbers and uppercase letters, and is unique to each person with Medicare. It will be clearly different from the HICN. How many characters will the MBI have? The MBI has 11 characters, like the HICN, which can have up to 11.

How do I get my Medicare details online?

If you already have a Medicare online account, sign in through myGov. If you don't have a myGov account or a Medicare online account, you'll need to set them up. You can use your Medicare online account to manage details and claims, view statements and get letters online.

Can I view my Medicare account online?

MyMedicare.gov is a free, secure online service that's available to help people with Medicare access their personal Medicare-related information 24 hours a day, every day. Medicare will automatically mail instructions and a password to people who are new to Medicare.

Do you automatically get a Medicare card when you turn 65?

You should receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. If you are NOT receiving benefits from Social Security or the RRB at least four months before you turn 65, you will need to sign up with Social Security to get Parts A and B.

Why do I have 2 different Medicare numbers?

As a Medicare recipient, you have your own unique Medicare identification number, which is no longer your Social Security number, as it was in the past. This is the number you will use for all Medicare transactions such as checking eligibility and claim status, billing and submitting claims.

Why do I have two different Medicare numbers?

The front of your Medicare card indicates whether you are enrolled in Part A and/or Part B under the heading “IS ENTITLED TO.” If you are enrolled in the Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan or Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan, that information appears on a separate card and not on your Medicare card.

Why is my Medicare number the same as my Social Security number?

Social Security Numbers Continue to be used for Medicare ID purposes. While the letter codes do not appear on your Social Security card, they are used on your Medicare card. Your Medicare claim number is the Social Security number of the primary wage earner on which benefits are based, plus your appropriate letter code ...

Can you have 2 Medicare numbers?

You can only be on 2 Medicare cards at the same time. Once you're 15 years or older you can get your own Medicare card. Read more about getting your Medicare card.

Can a MBI change?

The beneficiary or their authorized representative can request an MBI change. CMS can also change an MBI. An example is if the MBI is compromised. It's possible for your patient to seek care before getting a new card with the new MBI.

Should you laminate your Medicare card?

While not illegal, the Social Security Administration advises that you do not laminate your Medicare card. Lamination may prevent detection of security features.

What does a Social Security claim number look like?

The claim number is the social security number under which a claim is filed or benefits are paid. If you are an SSI beneficiary, your claim number is your nine-digit Social Security Number (SSN) (000-00-0000) followed by two letters such as EI, DI, DS, DC.

How do I get my deceased parents Social Security number?

To proceed, make an electronic Request for Deceased Individual's Social Security Record. Or, print and complete Form SSA-711 and send us a check or money order for the appropriate fee, made payable to the Social Security Administration. If you prefer, you may pay by credit card.

How long does a child receive Social Security benefits from a deceased parent?

Benefits stop when your child reaches age 18 unless that child is a student or has a disability.