New Medicare cards will help prevent identity theft; Covering; The Bases

I am 86 years old, and I hear that I will have to get a new Medicare card. Why?

Take a look at your Medicare card and you will notice that Medicare uses a Social Security number (plus a letter) as your Medicare number. Look at the sample Medicare card (pictured on the left) and you can easily identify John Doe's Social Security number as 123-45-6789. Please don't worry, this example is not a real Social Security number.

Your Social Security number is vital personal information that needs to be protected. If your Social Security number gets into the wrong hands, you could be a victim of identity fraud. Protecting your Social Security number is paramount.

This is why the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are readying a fraud prevention initiative that removes Social Security numbers from Medicare cards.

The goal is to help combat identity theft and safeguard both your and taxpayer dollars. Starting in April, CMS will begin mailing new Medicare cards that include a new Medicare number that is a random combination of letters and numbers. At right is an example of the new Medicare card for a fictional John Smith.

The mailings will be staggered throughout the year, with completion expected by April 2019. You will be receiving your new Medicare card at some point between April 2018 and April 2019.

To prepare for your new Medicare card, please keep the following in mind:

*Make sure your mailing address is up to date. If your address needs to be corrected, contact Social Security at www.ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

*Beware of anyone who contacts you about your new Medicare card. Social Security or Medicare will never ask you to provide personal or private information to get your new Medicare number and card.

*Understand that mailing everyone a new card will take some time. Your card might arrive at a different time than your friend's or neighbor's.

*The new Medicare numbers won't change your Medicare benefits.

*You may start using their new Medicare card as soon as it arrives.

The Department of Aging and Disabilities runs the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Senior Medicare Patrol. SHIP has specially trained volunteer counselors available to help guide you with your Medicare-related questions. SMP has specially trained volunteer counselors who can help you report any cases of suspected Medicare fraud.

You may contact these programs by calling 410-222-4257, ext. 4077.

Amy Rubino is the director of the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Senior Medicare Patrol for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. You may contact either program at 410-222-4257 or ship_program@aacounty.org.

Credit: Amy Rubino - Amy Rubino is the director of the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Senior Medicare Patrol for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. You may contact either program at 410-222-4257 or ship_program@aacounty.org.

Caption: Shown are examples of what a current Medicare card looks like, left, and what a new Medicare card will look like, right.

Courtesy photos