Betty’s Best Tips: New Medicare Cards coming in the mail
Earlier this summer, I wrote a column reminding those who are on Medicare that you will be getting new Medicare cards mailed at an undisclosed time. For us in
The federal government is re-issuing the new Medicare cards, which will no longer have the person's
Ohioans' new Medicare cards will be coming in the mail starting the week of
The Medicare Advantage and Part D open enrollment period begins
"We know you're getting a lot of mail, but do look for a mailing from
Newly eligible Medicare recipients began receiving the new cards as of April. But for the rest of the country, it's on a rollout basis. It's also important to know, officials said, that your neighbor may get a new card before you, so don't be worried.
A spokeswoman for the
The card will come in a white envelope from the "
Here's some more information from a column I wrote earlier when the cards were being announced:
Medicare recipients: If you haven't yet heard, new Medicare cards are being issued to everyone.
But the government is keeping the actual timeline for when cards will be issued in different states quiet in an attempt to thwart potential fraudsters.
That makes sense.
After all, the main reason the cards are being replaced is because current Medicare numbers are people's
You don't need to carry the Medicare card on a regular basis; emergency rooms cannot refuse treatment if you don't have identification or insurance and you can coordinate to have a family member get the number after you've been treated.
If you need it for a doctor's appointment, consider pulling it out of your safe place at home and taking it just that day. While we're at it, this is also a reminder that no one should be carrying their
Newly eligible Medicare recipients began receiving the new cards as of April. But for the rest of the country, it's on a rollout basis.
In May, the general mailings began in
Current states getting cards are
The best information I could get for
So if you have a friend or relative in another state, you can't gauge when you are getting your new card by when they get theirs. Also, I was told that once a state starts getting cards, not everyone gets them at the same time, so your neighbor might get a new card sooner than you.
In the meantime, keep using your current Medicare card until your new one arrives.
The best way to get a heads-up when the new cards are coming to
According to Medicare, once card mailings begin in your state, it'll take about a month to finish.
You can also log in to your www.MyMedicare.gov account to see if your new card has mailed. If you don't have an account, you can sign up for free.
Here are some other tips:
·Individuals with questions can go to www.Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) for help or additional information.
·Medicare will mail the new card at no cost to the verified beneficiary's address on file with the
·There is no charge for your new card.
·The card won't change your coverage or benefits.
?Once you receive your new card, shred your old card and don't just throw it away. Your new card is ready to use and you don't have to do anything to update your ID number. You should still keep your new card safe.
·Medicare will NEVER contact you uninvited for your Medicare number or other personal information.
·Don't share your Medicare number or other personal information with anyone who contacts you by phone, email, or by approaching you in person, unless you've given them permission in advance.
·Only give personal information like your Medicare number to doctors, insurers acting on your behalf, or trusted people in the community who work with Medicare like your
·If you receive any calls or suspicious solicitations asking for your Medicare number or other personal information, hang up and call your local Senior Medicare Patrol or 1-800-MEDICARE.
·Learn more about how you can fight scam artists who commit Medicare fraud at www.medicare.gov/fraud.
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