What is the difference between the new Medicare card and the old card?
Asked by: Jonathan Auer | Last update: October 11, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (54 votes)
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. Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same. Mailing takes time.
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.
Why did Medicare send me a new card?
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.
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.
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.
8 Reasons to DELAY Medicare Past 65 That Will Save You Thousands and Avoid ALL Penalties
Am I supposed to get a new Medicare card?
If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can ask for a replacement card from Social Security in three ways: Online by using your personal my Social Security account (note: you can do this even if you don't yet receive Social Security benefits).
Is everyone getting a new Medicare card in 2024 in the USA?
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.
Should you carry your original Medicare card?
Original Medicare
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the difference between the old and new Medicare card?
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. Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.
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.
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)
How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?
eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.
Does everyone pay $170 for Medicare?
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).
What does Social Security extra help pay for?
The Extra Help program helps with the cost of your prescription drugs, like deductibles and copays. You can apply for Extra Help any time before or after you enroll in Part D.
Is Original Medicare more expensive than Medicare Advantage?
"If you develop an illness, your out-of-pocket costs can be quite high on some Medicare Advantage plans. But if you can't afford a Medigap plan, Medicare Advantage may be cheaper than paying out-of-pocket costs on Original Medicare.”
What does the red, white, and blue Medicare card cover?
Your red, white and blue Medicare card includes your unique Medicare number and the start date of your Part A and/or Part B benefits. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Part D prescription drug plan, you will receive separate cards.
Should I laminate my new 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.
Does Medicare send out new cards automatically?
You should know: There is no fee for the new card; it will be mailed to you automatically as long as your address is up to date. Medicare will never call you uninvited to request personal or private information in order for you to get your new Medicare number and card.
Will Medicare get a raise in 2024?
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $174.70 for 2024, an increase of $9.80 from $164.90 in 2023. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $240 in 2024, an increase of $14 from the annual deductible of $226 in 2023.
Can I print a copy of my Medicare card?
You can print an official copy of your card from your online Medicare account or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227 TTY 1-877-486-2048) to order a replacement card to be sent in the mail.