Question: I recently saw an article that Medicare is issuing new ID cards in March and April of this year. When will mine arrive?

Answer: Well this topic may feel familiar, and that is because I wrote a similar article last year because there were over 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries getting new cards. Well this March and April the number of individuals receiving new Medicare cards will be over 1.3 Million. That is a significantly larger number of recipients, but it is not as common as it sounds.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) did not specify why the new cards were being issued. You could assume it is a data breach, or maybe a continuation of last year’s data breach. But it really doesn’t matter why. It is important to open your mail and pay attention to the information you are sent.

Just like last year it is important to understand that there are over 67 Million individuals on Medicare, all with their own Medicare cards. Only a very small percentage will be issued NEW Medicare numbers and cards. So it’s still possible you will receive a new Medicare card, but it is still unlikely.

Those impacted will received written notification from CMS confirming that you are impacted and that you can expect a new Medicare ID card in the mail soon.

The fact that Medicare ID’s are a uniquely assigned combination of letters and numbers, (what is called an ‘alpha-numeric” identification) means they can be replaced easily with new ID’s assigned to enrollees.

I know you are wondering when your new card will arrive, but I hope you can see we can’t even say you will be getting a new card. With the percentage of individuals impacted compared to the number of individuals enrolled in Medicare, the likelihood of you being one of those individuals is low. But if you are one of those beneficiaries, you will receive a letter from CMS and then, the new ID card. This will all happen during March and April of this year.

The new replacement Medicare card is still a cardstock paper card. You can laminate it, if you like. You can also cover it with clear packing tape to make it last longer.

In the event it is ever destroyed or needs to be replaced, you can request a new one. The process is easy and can now be done a number of ways.. To contact SSA, you can either call 1-800-772-1213; go to the website, or call the local office. The local offices are open to the public Monday thru Fri 9am to 4pm.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to get a new card. This number is available to you 24 hours a day and you can speak with the customer service staff of CMS and get your replacement Medicare card ordered.

Another way to get a new Medicare card is to use the www.mymedicare.gov website. This website will also require you to establish a login and password. Once established, the website can give you lots of information. At www.mymedicare.gov you can see information about insurance claims, procedures that you have had, and when you can have them again. You can also see and print off your Medicare card for immediate use. Realize this will print on the paper you have in your printer, so it won’t be card stock unless you have that in your printer. You can also request that a new Medicare be mailed to you. You can use your smartphone to access your mymedicare.gov account and then show the card to your provider.

Most beneficiaries won’t ‘remember’ their Medicare ID card number, so you will definitely have to carry it with you.

It is important for everyone to remember that CMS will send your ID automatically if you have been impacted. You do not have to ask for it, consent to have it sent to you or talk with anyone over the phone about it. Please do not give out that information over the phone. Do not respond to a person or organization who says they will help get your new Medicare card.

It is also important to remember that if you are impacted, this new Medicare Card does not change your Medicare benefit in any way. If you have other insurance that you use, you will still get a new Medicare Card. The sending of your new Medicare card does not mean you lost your other insurance.

I want to reinforce some other issues. Many people tell you not to carry your Medicare card regularly. I instead, suggest not putting your Medicare card in a spot in your wallet where it can be seen unless you pull it out because someone requested it. Many of us have spots in our wallets that can be seen over your shoulder or in line in the store. Your Medicare card should not be in a spot like that.

I also encourage you to review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSN’s) when they arrive in the mail. Be sure that all the procedures and providers listed are things that in fact you had done. That is the best way to reduce Medicare Fraud. In reviewing your MSN’s, if you see something suspicious, call 1-800-MEDICARE, right away.

Janell Sluga is a Geriatric Care Manager helping seniors in our community access services and insurance. To reach her, please email editorial@post-journal.com.