Live in Pa. and don’t have your new Medicare card? Call the agency right away
The federal program has set out to blanket the nation with the new cards by
If not, "you should call Medicare immediately," said
New cards have a Medicare ID unique to you, instead of your
Keep the old card -- for now
Should you destroy your old card? Probably not yet -- as your health-care providers may request that you keep it so they can update their files.
"Insurance companies, hospitals, and doctor's offices will probably have to update their computer systems to retain both the old and new Medicare ID numbers thru
Keep your Medicare Advantage Card. If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare. You should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so carry this card, too.
If you don't get your new Medicare card, or if you have other questions about Medicare, call as soon as possible.
Rosner, who helps her insurance clients navigate Medicare and other policies, as of last week hadn't received her new Medicare card in the mail, so as a Pennsylvanian, she called Medicare. (
"They told me they couldn't verify my mailing address through the post office, although I've lived in the same house for 41 years," Rosner said. "That was a little concerning. I was told it would be mailed out in a few weeks. If you haven't received your card either, then your should call."
For more information, visit the website www.medicare.gov/newcard or call the agency directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) or 1-877-486-2048 for TTY users.
New cards, same old expenses
Even though nearly all retirees over 65 are covered by Medicare, out-of-pocket costs are substantial. The typical household spends
Medicare enrollees pay premiums for Medicare Parts B and D and any supplemental coverage, contribute a portion of the cost of Medicare-covered services they receive, and face the full cost of the many services not covered by Medicare (dental and vision). Most recent estimates show that the median
Avoid Medicare scams
If someone calls and asks you for your Medicare information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don't share your personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). It's a scam. Medicare does not call. So don't give out your
"If you've living alone and you get a call like this, hang up," she added. "These Medicare scams are just the same as the
For
* To make an appointment with Apprise, for help with Medicare applications and benefits, call the Statewide Apprise Helpline (toll-free in
* Apprise --
* Apprise --
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