What do the new Medicare ID numbers look like?

Asked by: Peter Bayer DVM  |  Last update: May 12, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (74 votes)

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.

What is the format of the new Medicare numbers?

MBIs are numbers and upper-case letters. We'll use numbers 0-9 and all letters from A to Z, except for S, L, O, I, B, and Z. This will help the characters be easier to read. If you use lowercase letters, our system will convert them to uppercase letters.

Do the new Medicare numbers have zeros?

The only difference is the “Medicare number,” which is unique to you and is a combination of 11 letters and numbers. According to the Medicare.gov website, your new number uses numbers zero through nine. Another interesting tidbit: the letters B, I, L, O, S and Z are never used.

What is the new Medicare ID called?

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.

How many characters are there in Medicare updated ID?

The MBI has 11 characters. Does the MBI's characters have any meaning? Each MBI is randomly generated. The MBI's characters are “non-intelligent” so they don't have any hidden or special meaning.

How to Find Medicare Your Number (Without Your Card)

26 related questions found

When did Medicare ID numbers change?

New Medicare ID System Goes Fully Operational on January 1, 2020 | APTA.

What are the numbers on my Medicare card?

individual reference number (IRN)

A number that represents the position of a person on a Medicare card. For example, a person who is listed second on a Medicare Card has an IRN of 2. The IRN appears to the left of the patient's name on their Medicare card.

Is MBI the same as Medicare number?

Medicare is Removing Social Security Numbers (SSN) From all medicare cards , As We have Discussed In our previous Post Medicare removing SSN From Medicare Cards , A New Identifier Called MBI (Medicare Beneficiary Identifier) Will Replace the SSN Based Health Insurance Claim Number on All New Medicare Cards for Medicare ...

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.

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.

Where is the MBI number located?

On the front of your Medicare card is a number that is 11 characters long, consisting of numbers and uppercase letters. This is your Medicare claim number, also referred to as a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). To avoid confusion between letters and numbers, Medicare does not use the letters S, L, O, I, B or Z.

How do I find my Medicare MBI number?

You can identify them by the RRB logo on their card, and we return a “Railroad Retirement Medicare Beneficiary” message on the Fee-For-Service (FFS) MBI eligibility transaction response. The beneficiary or their authorized representative can request an MBI change. CMS can also change an MBI.

How do I verify a Medicare number?

Members can check their Medicare ID number by signing into myMedicare.gov. If a member doesn't have a myMedicare.gov account yet, they can 'create an account' and follow the instructions. For questions, members can call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227 TTY 877-486-2048).

What does the 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.

Does your Medicare card number change?

You'll have the same Medicare number that you did before, only the last digit will change.
...
Replacing your lost, stolen or damaged card
  • using your Medicare online account through myGov.
  • the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.
  • calling the Medicare program.

Is there a new black and white Medicare card?

Scammers falsely allege Medicare is issuing new plastic or metal Medicare cards or black and white Covid-19 Medicare cards. The scammers state that in order to get your new card, you need to provide personal identifying information such as your Medicare number, birth date or even financial account numbers.

Is Medicare changing their cards for 2022?

15 through Dec. 7, the more than 63 million Medicare beneficiaries can pick a new Medicare Part D drug plan, a new Medicare Advantage plan, or switch from Original Medicare into a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa. Any coverage changes made during this period will go into effect Jan. 1, 2022.

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.

Is the MBI on the Medicare card?

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.

Do Medicare numbers expire?

Healthcare providers use the Medicare number on the card to bill services. Generally, a person does not have to renew their Medicare card each year, as it will automatically renew. If a card is lost, stolen, or damaged people can get a new card at no cost.

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.

What is the blue Medicare card?

The blue Medicare card bearing the words "INTERIM CARD" is for people who have applied for permanent residence. Visitors from countries with which Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) receive a card bearing the words "RECIPROCAL HEALTH CARE".

What is a yellow Medicare card?

Information for Reciprocal (Yellow) Medicare Card Holders

Their access to Medicare services has time limitations and does not cover treatment as a private patient in a public or private hospital. Yellow Medicare card holders can still purchase a hospital or extras product with St.

Does Medicare automatically renew?

Although there are a few exceptions, Medicare plans generally renew each year automatically. This is true for original Medicare as well as Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Medicare Part D plans.

Can I print my new Medicare card online?

To print your Medicare card, you actually need to log in to a completely different online account at www.medicare.gov. Once logged in, you'll see a section titled “What do you want to do?”. Click on “Print my Medicare card”. The next page will prompt you to re-enter your online password.