When did Medicare cards stop using Social Security numbers?
Asked by: Teresa Treutel | Last update: August 11, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (5 votes)
When did they stop putting Social Security numbers on Medicare cards?
Why is CMS issuing new Medicare cards and new Medicare numbers? The law requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to remove Social Security Numbers (SSNs) from all Medicare cards by April 2019.
Does Medicare still use Social Security number?
Your Medicare Number is a unique ID number for Medicare, not your Social Security number. , you're ready to continue your journey. Now that you have Part A (Hospital Insurance), you can also get Part B (Medical Insurance) and/or drug coverage (Part D) if you need it.
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 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.
New Medicare cards will no longer show Social Security numbers
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.
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.
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.
What is the format of the old Medicare number?
The old number was comprised of your social security number followed by a letter, such as “A”; the new number is a random series of numbers and capital letters.
Are Medicare cards still issued?
Your Medicare card. Medicare beneficiaries are not receiving new cards this year, but scammers may try to convince you otherwise. For example, scammers may falsely tell you that Medicare is issuing new cards—perhaps a card that is plastic or metal, or a card that has a chip in it.
Does Medicare card show 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 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.
Can you have Medicare without Social Security number?
People aren't automatically enrolled in Medicare if they aren't getting Social Security or aren't eligible for Social Security retirement. They can sign up by completing an application for Part A (Hospital Insurance) (CMS 18-F-5 (PDF)) or by contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What year did Social Security numbers become mandatory?
In the end, the Board got it both ways—the Post Office Department agreed to accept returned SS -5s without postage on October 8, 1936, and the Treasury Department issued the regulations making the SSN mandatory on November 6, 1936 (McKinley and Frase 1970, 351–352 and 360).
Is Medicare changing ID numbers in 2024?
MEDICARE BENEFICIARY NUMBERS CHANGING FOR NEARLY 1 MILLION MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES MID-OCTOBER 2024.
Can you get rid of your Social Security number?
People generally cannot voluntarily withdraw or stop participating in the Social Security program.
Did your Medicare number used to be your Social Security number?
The new Medicare card contains a unique, randomly-assigned number that replaces the current Social Security-based number.
When did Medicare ID numbers change?
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 (known before as the Social Security Number Removal Initiative (SSNRI) included this requirement to remove Social Security Numbers (SSNs) from all Medicare cards by April 2019.
What does the T on a Medicare card mean?
According to Social Security's code list, “T” means the person has elected to receive only health insurance benefits (no Social Security) and is entitled to Medicare Part A under deemed or real provisions or fully insured.
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.
What do current Medicare cards look like?
This red, white and blue card will include your first name, middle initial and last name below the Medicare Health Insurance text on the top of the card. Below your name, you will find your Medicare number. This number is unique to you and is separate from your Social Security Number in order to protect your identity.
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.
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.
What are the changes coming to Social Security in 2025?
Social Security's earnings test limits also rose in 2025. This year, seniors who work and collect benefits will be able to earn more money without risking having a portion of their Social Security withheld.
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).