What can someone do with my Medicare number?
Asked by: Quincy Howell | Last update: January 1, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (49 votes)
Is it safe to give out my Medicare 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.
What can a Medicare number be used for?
In the wrong hands, your Medicare number may be used for a variety of scams including filing for false claims and reimbursements. Just recently, a cardiologist from Long Island billed Medicare and Medicaid $1.3 million for unneeded tests on patients [*].
How do you protect your 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.
Why would someone get a new Medicare number?
We're taking this step to protect people with Medicare from fraudulent use of SSNs, which can lead to identity theft and illegal use of Medicare benefits.
What Can a Scammer Do With Your Medicare Number?
Can you change your Medicare ID number?
Medicare beneficiaries or their authorized representatives can ask to change their MBIs; for example, if the MBI is compromised. CMS can also change an MBI. It's possible for your patient to seek care before getting a new card with the new MBI.
Is your Medicare number your SSN?
Your card has a Medicare Number that's unique to you — it's not your Social Security Number. This helps protect your identity. The card shows: You have Medicare Part A (listed as HOSPITAL), Part B (listed as MEDICAL), or both.
What to do if Medicare card is compromised?
Also, if your Medicare card has been lost or stolen, watch out for Medicare fraud. Check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for services you did not receive, and if you spot any, report them to the Inspector General's fraud hotline at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Should I destroy my old Medicare card?
Securely destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card right away. Use it the same way you used your old card. Your Medicare coverage and benefits stay the same. Keep using your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card if you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan, like an HMO or PPO.
Is it safe to carry your Medicare card with you?
Carrying the Card Safely
While it's necessary to have your Medicare card when receiving medical services, it's important to protect it: Keep It Secure: Only share your Medicare number with trusted healthcare providers. Avoid carrying the card when it's not needed.
How do I find someone's Medicare number?
- Go to Eligibility from the main menu, then choose the MBI Lookup Inquiry.
- Enter the required Beneficiary Details fields: First Name. Last Name. Date of Birth (DOB) Social Security Number (SSN) Enter the "I am not a robot" text (Only needed once for every 5 transactions)
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.
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.
How do I remove my number from Medicare?
People who are Medicare-eligible tend to receive a slew of unwanted calls soliciting business. Some are even targeted scams. But you can have your number removed from call lists by visiting DoNotCall.gov.
Why would someone opt out of Medicare?
The ONLY reason to opt out of Medicare is if you want to 1) see a Medicare patient, 2) under private contract, 3) for covered services.
Why would a person get a new Medicare number?
These cards have new numbers which were designed to better protect against identity theft by removing their Social Security number. And although the rollout of these updated cards was completed five years ago, scams around these new cards are continuing and rising.
How do I protect my Medicare card?
A plastic ID card holder sleeve can be used to store and protect your Medicare card. It's an inexpensive solution to keep your card visible, clean, and in good shape.
Can doctors look up your Medicare number?
Using your MAC's portal, you can look up any Medicare patient's MBI, regardless of where the patient lives. Even if your patients are in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can look up their MBIs to bill for things like indirect medical education.
How do you know if your Social Security number was leaked?
Use a web browser to navigate to npd.pentester.com and enter your first and last name and birth year. You'll see a list of breached accounts, including the last four digits of the leaked Social Security numbers.
Did hackers get Social Security numbers?
The lawsuit says that hackers stole the personal information of 3 billion people, including every existing Social Security numbers, from background check company National Public Data (NPD).
Do I need to carry my Medicare card in my wallet?
Your Medicare card is your gateway to healthcare when you have Medicare. Try to keep your card in a safe place in your wallet where it won't fall out. Make sure you monitor when your new card is coming, whether you're new to Medicare or expecting a replacement card.
Is Medicare considered Social Security?
Social Security offers retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. Medicare provides health insurance. Because these services are often related, you may not know which agency to contact for help. The chart below can help you quickly figure out where to go.
Did Medicare have a data breach?
The Medicare beneficiaries' personally identifiable information was exposed between May 27 and May 31, 2023, but the company patched its MOVEit software and initially thought none of its records had been part of the data breach.