Who should I give my Medicare number to?
Asked by: Brianne Cartwright | Last update: December 2, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (47 votes)
Why would someone want my Medicare number?
A scammer with your Medicare number can steal your identity, filing false claims or fraudulently accessing medical care under your name and accumulating charges with providers.
Is it safe to give a 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 is the purpose of the Medicare number?
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.
Why are some people getting new Medicare numbers?
Due to a data breach, some Medicare enrollees will be getting new Medicare cards with new Medicare numbers. Enrollees need to follow the instructions that come with the new card, update their healthcare providers with the new number, and destroy their old card.
What Can a Scammer Do With Your Medicare Number?
Who needs to know my new Medicare number?
Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other healthcare providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf. If you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.
What is the biggest problem with Medicare?
The biggest challenges reported by those in Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage: Out-of-pocket medical costs and health services they needed but weren't covered. “The gaps in Medicare coverage can really be notable,” says Jacobson.
What can be done with a Medicare number?
A scammer can use your Medicare number to divert your legal prescriptions and use them illegally. This might include selling the pills for profit or using your prescribed drugs themselves.
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.
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.
Can Social Security give me my Medicare number?
Get your number
To find your Medicare number, sign in to your Social Security account and view your benefit verification letter.
Is everyone getting a new Medicare card in 2024?
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.
Is it okay to give your Medicare number over the phone?
Never give your Medicare number to a stranger over the phone.
Should I keep my Medicare number private?
Never give your Medicare card, Medicare number, Social Security card, or Social Security number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it. Remember, nothing is ever "free." Never accept offers of money or gifts for free medical care.
What happens if you don't have a Medicare number?
To get your Medicare card or 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.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?
Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.
Does Medicare cover services outside the US?
In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
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.
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).
Do Medicare numbers expire?
All people with Medicare have a Medicare number. It is not the same number as the one used for Social Security. 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.
What is the big mistake people make with Medicare?
Choosing the right Medicare plan can be confusing, and it's difficult to decipher all the language written into these plans and options. Medicare mistakes to avoid include missing your initial enrollment period, signing up for the wrong coverage, not paying your premiums, and assuming your spouse is covered.
What is the best medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?
Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.
Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.