When Medicare number was changed from Social Security number?

Asked by: Dr. Lew Walker PhD  |  Last update: December 9, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (2 votes)

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.

Why would my Medicare ID number change?

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.

When did the new Medicare numbers come out?

Cards will be mailed between April 2018 – April 2019

You asked, and we listened. You're getting a new Medicare card! Between April 2018 and April 2019, we'll be removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and mailing each person a new card.

Is your Medicare number still your Social Security number?

Your card has a Medicare Number that's unique to you — it's not your Social Security Number. This helps protect your identity.

What is the new format for Medicare numbers?

MBI Format on the new card:

The MBI's 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th characters will always be a letter. (excluding S, L, O, I, B, Z) Characters 1, 4, 7, 10, and 11 will always be a number. The 3rd and 6th characters will be a letter or a number. MBI format: Where will the MBI's characters go?

How to Find Medicare Your Number (Without Your Card)

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What is a traditional Medicare number?

Your Medicare identification number is located on your red, white, and blue Medicare card. The standard Medicare number format contains eleven random letters and numbers, each of which are arranged in a specific pattern that is used to identify you and only you.

Are all Medicare numbers 11 digits?

Knowing the format of an MBI number can help you successfully complete your transactions. An MBI has 11 alpha-numeric characters. An MBI's characters are “non-intelligent” so they don't have any hidden or special meaning. An MBI uses numbers 0–9 and all uppercase letters except for S, L, O, I, B and Z.

When did Medicare stop using SSN?

The Medicare Access and Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 requires the removal of the Social Security Number (SSN) from all Medicare cards. The primary goal of the law is to decrease Medicare beneficiaries' vulnerability to identity theft.

When did Medicare cards stop using Social Security numbers?

MACRA requires CMS to remove Social Security Numbers (SSNs) from all Medicare cards by April 2019. CMS will begin mailing new Medicare cards with a new Medicare number (currently called the Medicare Claim Number on cards) to your patients in April 2018.

Will Social Security change your number?

Yes, but it is not easy. If you can show that you are in danger due to domestic violence or other abuse, or you are experiencing significant, ongoing financial harm due to identity theft, Social Security can assign you a different number.

Is Original Medicare going away?

Is Medicare going away? In a word—no, Medicare isn't going away any time soon, and Medicare Advantage plans aren't being phased out. The Medicare Advantage (Part C) program is administered through Medicare-approved private insurance companies.

Are we getting a new Medicare card in 2023?

You will not be getting an updated Medicare card this year, but scammers may try to convince you otherwise.

How do I find my new Medicare ID number?

Sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account. If you don't have an account yet, visit MyMedicare.gov to create one. You can sign in to see your Medicare Number or print an official copy of your card. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Does Medicare update automatically?

If you're enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, your plan will renew automatically. However, there are some exceptions and enrollment information you may not be aware of.

Is your Medicare number your member ID?

Everyone who enrolls in Medicare receives a red, white, and blue Medicare card. This card lists your name and the dates that your Original Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) began. It will also show your Medicare number, which serves as an identification number in the Medicare system.

When did Medicare change the cards?

In April 2018, CMS began mailing the new Medicare cards, each of which features a unique, randomly assigned Medicare number known as a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). The MBI is a combination of letters and numbers that helps protect against personal identity theft and fraud.

What year did Medicare change from 62 to 65?

The standard age for Medicare eligibility has been 65 for the entirety of the health insurance program, which debuted in 1965.

What is the oldest Social Security number?

This particular record, (055-09-0001) belonged to John D. Sweeney, Jr., age 23, of New Rochelle, New York. The next day, newspapers around the country announced that Sweeney had been issued the first SSN.

Is Medicare tied to Social Security?

Social Security enrolls you in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps cover inpatient care in hospitals (including critical access hospitals) and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care).

Do they reuse old Social Security numbers?

A: Social Security numbers were first issued in November 1936. To date, 453.7 million different numbers have been issued. Q20: Are Social Security numbers reused after a person dies? A: No.

What does a valid Medicare number look like?

How does the MBI look on the card? The MBI's 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th characters are always letters. Characters 1, 4, 7, 10, and 11 are always numbers. The 3rd and 6th characters are letters or numbers.

Is Medicare number 10 or 11 digits?

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.

Are Medicare numbers random?

Keep Your Medicare Information Safe and Secure

Today's Medicare numbers have no hidden codes or sequences at all. They are purely random. Even so, your Medicare number is still considered to be personal and private.

Can you get a new Medicare number?

On your homepage, select My card. You'll see your current Medicare card. Select Get a new card and number. We'll display information about how we can help people with family and domestic violence concerns.