Should I destroy my old Medicare card?
Asked by: Yoshiko Welch | Last update: August 2, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (39 votes)
Should I keep my old Medicare card?
Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card right away. If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare—you should still keep and use it whenever you need care.
What should I do with my Medicare card?
Carry your Medicare card with you when you're away from home. Show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider when you get services. If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental coverage, carry that plan card with you too.
Should I carry my Medicare card in my billfold?
This is one of the biggest ones I see people make every day: carrying their social security card or their Medicare card in their wall or their purse. Never do this! Identity Theft becomes way too easy once a thief has this piece of information.
How do I protect my Medicare card?
The Social Security Administration advises that you do not laminate your Medicare card, as it can prevent detection of security features. Instead of laminating your card, consider carrying around a photocopy or protect it with a plastic sleeve.
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Is it a good idea to laminate your Medicare card?
Medicare and the Social Security Administration (SSA) advise against laminating a Medicare card or other official document, such as a Social Security card. This is because lamination may interfere with the card's security features, such as the ability to scan certain details or detect tampering.
Where should I keep my Medicare card?
If you don't want to carry the card with you when you're not going to the doctor, you should keep it in a safe place at home, such as a locked desk drawer or a fireproof safe. Be sure to put it back in the same place every time once you're done using it.
Should you carry your Medicare card?
Just like your Social Security card and driver's license, your Medicare card is a very important piece of identification. 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.
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.
Do I need to carry around my Medicare card?
It's best to bring your valid Medicare card or number with you when you visit a health professional. You'll also have a My Health Record that helps securely store all your health data in one place.
Can someone use my Medicare card if stolen?
But can someone steal your identity with just your Medicare card or number? Unfortunately, they can. With medical identity theft, the scammer uses personal information like your Medicare number to access medical care. For example, they might see a doctor, get prescriptions, or file claims with your insurance provider.
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 keep old Medicare statements?
Save your Medicare Summary Notices and related statements until they are no longer useful. But, don't just throw them in the trash-- be sure to shred them. Shredding important documents like your MSN and other health care bills will ensure that thieves cannot get their hands on your private information.
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.
Why are people getting new Medicare cards?
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.
Is my old Medicare card still good?
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.
Can I laminate my Medicare card?
Can you laminate 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.
Why are there two 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.
Should you carry your Social Security card in your wallet?
Carrying your Social Security Card puts you at unnecessary risk if your wallet is lost or stolen. Even though you may need your physical Social Security card in select scenarios, in most cases, it's perfectly sufficient to provide your number (or the last four digits) verbally.
Should I keep my medical card in my wallet?
You should only keep items you need in your wallet, like your driver's license, credit and debit cards, and your health insurance card. On the other hand, you should avoid carrying items like your Social Security card and your birth certificate with you unless you need other forms of ID.
Are new medicare cards being issued 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.
Is it safe to give out your Medicare card number?
Even though we're removing Social Security Numbers, the new number is still useful to thieves to commit health care fraud. Don't share your Medicare Number with anyone who contacts you by telephone, email or in person, unless you've given them permission in advance.
Can you use a photocopy of your Medicare card?
Use Copies Wisely: Make a photocopy of your Medicare card and obscure part of the Medicare number. Carry the copy instead of the original to reduce the risk if your wallet is lost or stolen.
What is the over the counter Medicare card?
The over-the-counter (OTC) card is a benefit offered by some Medicare Advantage plans specifically designed to help individuals save on everyday health products. With this card, you can choose items like over-the-counter medications, vitamins, first aid supplies, and personal care products at approved retailers.