The newly designed Medicare card being mailed to 1.3 million Washington residents with Medicare this month should help protect against fraud.
That’s the main benefit of the new card, said John Hammarlund, a regional administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The agency began mailing cards in waves in April, and Washington’s mailings began this month.
Residents can expect to see their card in the mail, most likely, over the next couple of months, although some cards may arrive later than that.
“It’s only the card that’s changing,” Hammarlund explained. “Medicare coverage stays the same.”
Medicare patients don’t need to request or order a card; they will be mailed to them. The old card will continue to work until January 2020.
People should securely destroy their old card after receiving the new one, Hammarlund said.
The new card is slightly smaller — standard credit card size and can fit inside a wallet. It’s also bilingual and doesn’t require a signature line.
The new card’s defense against fraud is switching the Social Security number for an 11-digit, alphanumeric, random number. There’s no logic to the number, which includes numbers and uppercase letters.
Incidents of identity theft among seniors increased from 2.1 million in 2012 to 2.6 million in 2014, according to Department of Justice data.
“The primary goal is to protect Medicare beneficiaries from fraud,” Hammarlund said.
Hammarlund warned that no one will contact seniors about the new card, asking for personal information or payments — the card is free. He said seniors should be on the lookout for fraud like that, and report it to the Medicare number, 1-800-633-4227, if they do encounter fraud. The agency also recommends some additional tips:
• People with Medicare can sign up for email notifications for when the new cards will be mailed to their area by going to www.medicare.gov/newcard or call 1-800-633-4227.
• Guard your card: Only give your new Medicare number to health care providers, insurers or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
• Your new card is paper: Paper cards are easier for many providers to use and copy. You can print your own replacement card.
• Keep your new card with you: Carry your new card and show it to providers when you need care.
• You can look up your number: If you forget your new card, you or your doctor can search the number online.
• Keep your Medicare Advantage card: If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, your Medicare Advantage plan ID card is your main card for Medicare. However, your medical provider may also ask to see your new Medicare card.
