Is there a new Medicare card with a chip?
Asked by: Prof. Odie Padberg | Last update: January 1, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (69 votes)
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.
Is there a new plastic Medicare card for 2025?
After checking, Medicare is not calling people about getting new plastic cards for 2025; any such calls are scams. Medicare will never contact you to request personal information or verify your Medicare number to get a new card, and there are no plans to issue plastic Medicare cards in 2025.
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.
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.
Your New Medicare Card is coming | When can you expect it?
Is there a new Medicare card for 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.
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.
Is Medicare sending new cards?
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.
Can I still use my old Medicare card?
Note: Medicare has finished mailing new Medicare cards to all beneficiaries. You can still use your old card to get your care covered until January 1, 2020. However, if you have not received your new card, you should call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) and speak to a representative.
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.
Can I put my Medicare card in plastic?
Medicare only provides paper cards and advises against laminating them or contacting a third-party provider to create one, as this may endanger the person's personal information. Instead, an individual can help keep it safe by using a removable plastic covering, such as a plastic cardholder or plastic document sleeve.
How much will Medicare cost in 2025?
If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $518 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($185 in 2025).
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.
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.
Should I carry my new Medicare card with me or a copy?
It should be carried with you when you're away from home (e.g., in your wallet). It's a good idea to make a photocopy of your card or write down your Medicare number. Keep that information in a safe place in case your physical card ever gets lost.
Are new Medicare cards being issued for 2024?
This is a scam. Medicare will NOT call you, does not need you to verify your number (they already have it), and is NOT sending out new cards to beneficiaries. This is a growing scam and we're receiving a rising number of reports of beneficiaries being inundated with calls.
Should seniors carry their Medicare card?
It's always good to have your Medicare card on you to ensure you receive affordable care. Once you get your Medicare card, we recommend taking a photo of it with your phone, so you always have the information handy. You can also make note of your Medicare number, so you have it whenever you need it.
What age does Medicare go away?
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) are available to the individuals below: Age 65 or older. Disabled. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Is it hard to 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.
When did Medicare cards change?
A. Background on the new Medicare Number
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed a new number called the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), which replaces the SSN-based Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) on the Medicare card. CMS began mailing the new Medicare cards in April 2018.
Will my Medicare card be mailed to me?
This welcome package is the first mail you'll get from Medicare. It includes a letter, booklet, and Medicare card.
What is the Medicare $900 grocery benefit?
Is The $900 Medicare Grocery Allowance Real? Unfortunately, the $900 Medicare grocery allowance is not a real benefit of Original Medicare. Original Medicare does not offer any kind of assistance when it comes to groceries. However, some Medicare Advantage plans do provide a grocery benefit to their enrollees.
What is the free senior allowance card?
This card is a benefit offered by some insurers and is not issued by the government. It acts as a food allowance card for seniors, and can also help pay for utilities, transportation to medical appointments, and more. Not all Medicare Advantage insurance plans offer flex cards.
Does everyone get approved for Flex?
According to Flex's website, most people with a Fair (580+) credit score or higher can qualify to use Flex. If you didn't get approved for Flex or need a quicker solution, consider an easier solution like Kasheesh – which requires no credit check, no minimum credit score, and no landlord participation.