Is the government issuing new Medicare cards?
Asked by: Obie Hegmann | Last update: January 26, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (74 votes)
Are we getting new Medicare cards in 2024?
contact your plan directly to learn about your 2024 costs. Do you know what isn't new this year? Your Medicare card. Medicare beneficiaries are not receiving new cards this year, but scammers may try to convince you otherwise.
Why am I getting a new Medicare card?
If you receive Medicare, your benefits will not change with your new card. The new cards are much more secure to use. The old cards displayed the beneficiary's Social Security number (SSN). Identity thieves frequently use SSNs to steal identities, open credit cards or take out loans in someone else's name.
What is the difference between the new Medicare card and the old card?
The new Medicare card will look similar to your old one, but there are differences. The new card will still be red, white, and blue, but will show a unique identification number instead of your Social Security number.
Are new Medicare cards due to breach?
In response to a May 2023 data breach, nearly one million Medicare beneficiaries are being issued new Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBIs) and Medicare cards. This change may affect your clients' healthcare coverage and enrollment applications.
Your New Medicare Card is coming | When can you expect it?
Do Medicare cards need to be updated?
You don't need to do anything as long as your address is up to date. If you need to update your address, visit your mySocial Security account. Your new card will have a new Medicare Number that's unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This will help to protect your identity.
Was there a Medicare data breach in 2024?
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: 3,112,815 individuals affected. In September 2024, CMS notified affected individuals of a third-party data breach that stemmed from Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS), a CMS contractor that handles Medicare Part A/B claims.
What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?
- Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
- Long-term care.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
Is Medicare issuing new cards with a chip?
You will not be getting an updated Medicare card this year, but scammers may try to convince you otherwise. For example, scammers may falsely tell you that Medicare is again issuing new cards— perhaps plastic ones, metal ones, chipped cards, or black and white COVID-19 cards? No, this isn't true – This is a scam.
How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?
- Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- Pay your own Part B premium.
- Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.
Why are there 2 Medicare cards?
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.
Who qualifies for the Flex card?
To get a Medicare flex card, you must be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers a flex card as a benefit. To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must qualify for Original Medicare Parts A and B. This means you must be 65+ years of age or have a qualifying disability.
Did Medicare cards change?
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 are the proposed changes to Medicare in 2024?
As of January 1, 2024, people with Medicare Part D are no longer responsible for five percent prescription cost-sharing in the 'catastrophic phase' of coverage.
How do I get a new Medicare card?
How do you get another Medicare card? My card is lost or damaged — Log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print or order an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card to be sent in the mail. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Are they giving out new Medicare cards?
Medicare has not announced plans to release new cards for beneficiaries, with the last major Medicare card update carried out in 2018. If somebody contacts you claiming they can send you a new card, they're likely running a scam.
What letters are not used in the new Medicare cards?
MBIs are numbers and upper-case letters. We use numbers 1-9 and all letters from A to Z, except for S, L, O, I, B, and Z.
Why aren't Medicare cards plastic?
Simply put, the main reason Medicare cards are made from paper instead of plastic is because it is easier. The newest cards (issued in 2018) are made of thick paper and are cheaper for taxpayers and easier for providers to make copies of.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?
But there are trade-offs. Medicare Advantage plans often have a limited network of hospitals and physicians. And while the premiums are typically low, enrollees could end up paying more in the long run in copays and deductibles if they develop a serious illness.
What year will Medicare end?
A key trust fund underpinning the massive Medicare program has a new insolvency date: 2036, according to a new report from the Medicare trustees.
What to do if a medicare card is hacked?
If you need to replace your card because you think that someone else is using your number, call the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) (1-877-808-2468) and 1-800-Medicare.
What will happen to Medicare in 2026?
The Contract Year (CY) 2026 MA and Part D proposed rule aims to hold MA and Part D plans more accountable for delivering high-quality coverage so that people with Medicare are connected to the care they need when they need it.