Why do I have 2 different Medicare numbers?

Asked by: Alanis Quitzon  |  Last update: September 24, 2022
Score: 4.1/5 (56 votes)

As a Medicare recipient, you have your own unique Medicare identification number, which is no longer your Social Security number, as it was in the past. This is the number you will use for all Medicare transactions such as checking eligibility and claim status, billing and submitting claims.

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.

Why would my Medicare number change?

The primary goal of the law is to decrease Medicare beneficiaries' vulnerability to identity theft. 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.

Are Medicare Part A and B numbers the same?

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.

Do you always have the same Medicare number?

Your new card will replace your old card. You'll have the same Medicare number that you did before, only the last digit will change. Your old card will no longer be valid. We'll send your new card to the address you give us, in 3 to 4 weeks.

How to Find Medicare Your Number (Without Your Card)

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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.

How do I update my Medicare number?

The screen layout will look different if you're using a mobile device.
  1. Step 1: sign in. Sign in to myGov and select Medicare. ...
  2. Step 2: update your details. Go to the details you want to update, then select Edit. ...
  3. Step 3: sign out.

What do the numbers on my Medicare card mean?

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. This is not a unique identifier.

What do Medicare numbers start with?

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.

How do I find out if I have Medicare Part D?

To learn more about the Medicare Advantage plans and the Medicare Part D plans in your area, you can use the Medicare Plan Finder, a searchable tool on the Medicare.gov website. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or speak to someone at your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Why is my Medicare number the same as my Social Security Number?

Social Security Numbers Continue to be used for Medicare ID purposes. While the letter codes do not appear on your Social Security card, they are used on your Medicare card. Your Medicare claim number is the Social Security number of the primary wage earner on which benefits are based, plus your appropriate letter code ...

Can you look up a Medicare number?

You can find your Medicare number on your Medicare card. Or you can sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account to view your number. You can use this account to not only view your number but print an official copy of your card.

When did Medicare ID numbers change?

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

What is the difference between Hicn and MBI?

The MBI has 11 characters, like the Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN), which can have up to 11. Will the MBI's characters have any meaning? Each MBI is randomly generated. This makes MBIs different than HICNs, which are based on the Social Security Numbers (SSNs) of people with Medicare.

Do you automatically get a Medicare card when you turn 65?

You should receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. If you are NOT receiving benefits from Social Security or the RRB at least four months before you turn 65, you will need to sign up with Social Security to get Parts A and B.

Should you laminate your Medicare card?

While not illegal, the Social Security Administration advises that you do not laminate your Medicare card. Lamination may prevent detection of security features.

How many numbers should a Medicare card have?

When entering Medicare Numbers on the Claim form, please ensure the numbers are correct and there are 11 digits in total with no spaces.

What do different Medicare card Colours mean?

On the Medicare card issued to an eligible overseas visitor, coloured yellow, or an applicant for permanent residence, coloured blue, Reciprocal health care or Interim card will respectively also appear on the card.

What is the difference between a green and blue Medicare card?

Medicare Cards

The green Medicare card is for people permanently in Australia. Cards may be issued for individuals or families. The blue Medicare card bearing the words "INTERIM CARD" is for people who have applied for permanent residence.

How do I combine two Medicare cards?

Medicare online account help - Add someone to your Medicare card
  1. Step 1: sign in.
  2. Step 2: before you start.
  3. Step 3: tell us who you're inviting.
  4. Step 4: confirm or update your address.
  5. Step 5: confirm or update your bank details.
  6. Step 6: review and submit.
  7. Step 7: you've created an invite code.
  8. Step 8: sign out.

How do I get my Medicare details online?

If you already have a Medicare online account, sign in through myGov. If you don't have a myGov account or a Medicare online account, you'll need to set them up. You can use your Medicare online account to manage details and claims, view statements and get letters online.

Can I view my Medicare account online?

MyMedicare.gov is a free, secure online service that's available to help people with Medicare access their personal Medicare-related information 24 hours a day, every day. Medicare will automatically mail instructions and a password to people who are new to Medicare.

What is the format for the new Medicare numbers?

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.

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.

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.