Why is Medicare sending out new cards?

Asked by: Weldon VonRueden MD  |  Last update: August 17, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (28 votes)

Between April 2018 and April 2019, we'll be removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and mailing each person a new card. This will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity.

Why is Medicare calling me about a new card?

Medicare isn't issuing new cards and Medicare employees don't contact participants through unsolicited calls, emails, or visits. Medicare communicates with beneficiaries via mail. Scammers falsely allege Medicare is issuing new plastic or metal Medicare cards or black and white Covid-19 Medicare cards.

Is Medicare sending out new cards with a chip?

The short answer is no. Medicare is not replacing your paper card with a plastic chip card. Scammers tried this con a few years ago. They've apparently fired it up again, as a lot of viewers are telling us about getting this call.

Are new Medicare cards being issued for 2020?

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.

Is Medicare sending out new cards in 2022?

Are we getting new Medicare cards? Answer: This call has been coming to so many individuals in our area. I can confidently say NO, the caller is not from Medicare and you are NOT getting a new plastic (or metal) Medicare card.

New Medicare Cards Are Coming! What You Need To Know!

44 related questions found

Are Medicare cards expiring?

As long as you continue paying the required premiums, your Medicare coverage (and your Medicare card) should automatically renew every year.

How much will Medicare premiums increase in 2022?

In November 2021, CMS announced that the Part B standard monthly premium increased from $148.50 in 2021 to $170.10 in 2022. This increase was driven in part by the statutory requirement to prepare for potential expenses, such as spending trends driven by COVID-19 and uncertain pricing and utilization of Aduhelm™.

Are Medicare cards sent automatically?

Enrollment in Original Medicare and the receipt of your Medicare ID card will be automatic if you meet one of the following conditions. If you are turning age 65 and receiving Social Security Insurance or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, your Medicare ID card will arrive three months before your 65th birthday.

When did Medicare send out new cards?

Medicare is mailing new Medicare cards starting in April 2018.

Do I get a new Medicare card every year?

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. If a card is lost, stolen, or damaged people can get a new card at no cost.

Why am I getting Medicare junk mail?

Ads or mailings from Medicare health plans typically start on or just after October 1 each year. These marketing campaigns are designed to prompt you to call a phone number, enter an email address, or register for an event to learn more about an advertised plan and ultimately sign up for that plan.

Can someone steal your identity with your Medicare card?

Medical identity theft happens when someone steals or uses your personal information (like your name, Social Security Number, or Medicare Number) to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health insurers without your permission. Medicare is working to find and prevent fraud and abuse.

Why am I getting so many phone calls about Medicare?

Phone calls

Sometimes, they're selling phony products such as supplemental or prescription drug Medicare plans. The whole purpose of all of these calls is to obtain your personal information, whether that is your Medicare card number, your Social Security number, or banking information.

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 long is a Medicare card valid for?

Replacing your Medicare card

Medicare cards are valid for 5 years. We'll send you a new card before your old one expires. You don't have to do anything unless your address has changed. If it has, update your details so the card gets to you.

How do you update your Medicare card?

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.

Why did I receive a Medicare card?

It's sent to all people who automatically get Medicare because they're getting Social Security benefits before they're eligible for Medicare. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

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.

What is a red Medicare card?

Key Takeaways. Medicare will send you a red, white and blue card in the mail. This card will include your unique Medicare number and the start date of your Parts A and/or B benefits. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Medigap or Part D prescription drug plan, you will receive separate cards.

Does Social Security count as income for Medicare premiums?

(Most enrollees don't pay for Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization.) Medicare premiums are based on your modified adjusted gross income, or MAGI. That's your total adjusted gross income plus tax-exempt interest, as gleaned from the most recent tax data Social Security has from the IRS.

How do I get my $144 back from Medicare?

Even though you're paying less for the monthly premium, you don't technically get money back. Instead, you just pay the reduced amount and are saving the amount you'd normally pay. If your premium comes out of your Social Security check, your payment will reflect the lower amount.

How much will Social Security take out for Medicare in 2022?

NOTE: The 7.65% tax rate is the combined rate for Social Security and Medicare. The Social Security portion (OASDI) is 6.20% on earnings up to the applicable taxable maximum amount (see below). The Medicare portion (HI) is 1.45% on all earnings.

Are all new Medicare cards mailed?

The government began mailing the cards in April 2018 and the new cards should be completely distributed by April 2019. The cards are being mailed in phases based on the state the beneficiary lives in. To check the status of card mailing in your state, go here: https://www.medicare.gov/newcard/.

Does Medicare ever call you at home?

Remember that Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or visit you at your home. Medicare, or someone representing Medicare, will only call and ask for personal information in these 2 situations: A Medicare health or drug plan may call you if you're already a member of the plan.

How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number for free?

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).