If you use social media to keep up with friends and family, you’ve probably seen those Age Tests—photos of once-everyday items which folks over 45 recognize, but tend to be genuine head-scratchers for younger people.
Take for example:
If we learn anything as we grow older, it’s that the world never stops changing around us. And by April 2019, the familiar red, white, and blue Medicare card that current and new beneficiaries carry in our wallets will join the ranks of things that are changing—for the better.
That’s right: eligible Americans are getting new Medicare cards in 2018 (and early 2019). Out with the old, in with the new—and improved. So, what does that mean for you, and what do you need to know about the new Medicare card?
New Medicare Card Replacements: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are Medicare Cards Changing?
The last generation of Medicare cards used Social Security Numbers (SSNs) as a Medicare Claim Number. This was an insecure form of identification. Over the past few decades, SSNs have slowly become used for many forms of ID, including credit. These new Medicare cards establish a unique Medicare Benefit Identification (MBI) number, completely different than the beneficiary’s SSN. It’s more secure and safer. The new Medicare cards are also paper, rather than plastic, which makes the cards easier for providers to copy and use.
2. What Does the New Medicare Card Look Like?
The new card was completely redesigned to make it unmistakably different from the older card.
3. Do I Need to Request a Medicare Card Replacement?
No. It will be mailed to you automatically.
4. How Can I Make Sure My New Medicare Card Goes to the Right Address?
The Social Security Administration handles address changes and updates pertaining to new Medicare cards as well as Social Security. If you want to make sure your address is current, you can do so on the Social Security website.
5. When Will I Receive My New Medicare Card?
The new Medicare card mailing schedule will take all year to complete. Cards are being mailed in waves, several states at a time, by region. Mailings began in May, 2018 and will continue all year long. This web page includes a regularly updated map and list that shows:
- Which states are currently mailing new cards
- Which states are mailing new cards soon
- Which states have finished mailing new cards
6. Can I Get a More Specific Time Frame?
If you know someone in a different state that has already received their card, you can sign up to receive a personalized email notification to get a more specific delivery time frame. The email will be delivered to your email inbox when your new Medicare card is mailed, so you’ll be notified instantly on your computer, your tablet, or even your smartphone. If it doesn’t arrive within a couple of weeks after that, you’ll know to get in touch and request a Medicare card replacement.
7. What Should I Do with My Old Medicare Card?
Once you have verified that all of the information on your new Medicare card is correct, including the spelling of your name and your coverage eligibility, destroy your old Medicare card by shredding it or cutting it into pieces.
Do not keep it around just in case (like old ice cube trays), no matter how tempting that may be. If you ever need to get or order a new Medicare card, you can always request one from the Social Security Administration.
8. Can I Laminate My New Medicare Card?
While the paper card may feel less substantial than the old plastic Medicare card, the Social Security Administration advises against lamination, as it may destroy security features. If you would like additional protection for your new card, the agency suggests a simple clear plastic card holder sleeve, or alternatively, carrying a photocopy of your card rather than the card itself. (All smartphones, including the Jitterbug Smart, run apps that can store secure, password- or biometrically-protected images of cards for this purpose.)
9. What If I Have a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO, PPO, or PFFS)?
In that case, you will not use the new Medicare card when you go to a hospital or doctor. Store your new card in a secure place and continue using your Medicare Advantage plan card as you always have. If you ever discontinue your Medicare Advantage plan, you will need your new Medicare card when you go to a healthcare provider.
And just in case any of those shareables at the beginning stumped you, here are the answers:
- Turntable adapter insert for 45 RPM vinyl records
- Before scrambled cable signals and set-top descrambler boxes, aluminum foil could be wrapped around television cable to tune in premium channels like HBO (yes, really!)
- High beam headlight controls once lived on the floor of the vehicle, not turn signal stems
- It’s a metal ice cube tray with a removable cube divider insert
Sources: me.me, nourishingobscurity.com, knowyourmeme.com
These folks obviously don’t know what hey are talking about. The current cards are plastic and why would you need to know someone in another state to check on your own card?
I got my new card in May, but my husband has not received his.
It says Pennsylvania mailing is done. Where is his card.
Can you please. E-mail me about when my new card will be in the mail. I will be moving again soon and when I do I Will let y’all know. Thank You! Terri Neel
I know that I have Advantage, but I never received an Advantage card. Is it absolutely imperative that I have a card, and if it is, where do I get one?
Good infory
I received my new cad yesterday and laminated it. Do I need to get another one?
Oh, oh, the fraudsters will have to look for new ways to steal your money!
When will I Get Minedixie
I also have laminated my new card and my husbands. Do we need to get another?
All info is NOT correct! In Illinois the cards have never been plastic unless someone laminated their own. Hospital providers still need your Medicare id info to bill Medicare for your inpatient stay days for informational info when you are enrolled in a Medicare advantage program
They are paperann
How do I find the map showing when mine will be mailed
https://www.medicare.gov/newcard
My husband received his card but I have not. I cannot access the page telling me if they are finished sending them in my state. What am I supposed to do?
I laminated my card also. Should I ask for a replacement?
I have a Medicare advantage thru united health care insurance.doni was she the old card nor the new one?
This is for Nancy. I’m trying to find my best childhood friend. Her mother was from Chicago. If you are my friend Nancy, which southern city did you live in to go through school grades 1-12?
I laminated mine! What’s the problem with it???
I have laminate my card. And my husband. If it has to be taken off you can probably cut it off
When will mailings be done for Colorado
What’s the purpose of the. New card if the old info remains in the healcare providers system. It can still be hacked and my info taken. My doctors office would not remove my ss#’!
The new medicare card should have the picture of the recipient.
Got a flu shot today and my NEW MEDICARE HEALTH card did not work!!!! They put in my OLD card number and it did work!
People, people, people.. this girl who wrote the article cannot answer your questions. If your spouse received their card and you did not, call Medicare (CMS). As a matter of fact, you will need to call CMS for anything to do with your card. If you are paying for a Medicare Advantage plan, get it touch with the Insurance company that you are paying, for info on it, including the where-abouts of your card. The article was not issued by Medicare. It’s just an informational story.
Reply does not work
Some of the comments are strange, to say the least. I had no idea new cards were being mailed. If I received one, I missed it somehow. I thought the article was very informative.
I have laminated my new card also because it’s paper. Why does it say there plastic. Lot of confusion going on here.
I have not received mine but my husband got his! What do I do? Thanks……
My card is paper not plastic.
When will cards be mailed in Missouri, please?
How can we can get dental and eyeglasses that all hospital and droctors approve
For Zoila, my new card does not have my photo on it, nor does my husbands
Zoila was saying that the new cards needed pictures for security, not that the cards had them.
Medicare cards are not plastic, nor have they ever been.
When will i get my new card? I live in Ohio.
My husband and I both received our new
Paper Medicare Cards in Sept.
We were told not to laminate them.
We live in Georgia.
I have never seen a plastic Medicare card. I was also told not to laminate my card. Over the years my existing card became very wore around the edges. Plastic would have prevented the edges from wearing. New w one is the same old cheap paper so guess I will have the same problem with it.
I got my new card however there is no picture
I want to know who we talk to to our photos on it, just like a drivers license? That is the safest way to breve this fraud!!
Do we need to request new cards since we laminated the new ones?
I moved the first of September and wonder if my new address has been processed. I have not received my card yet.
New address : 969 meadow oaks Dr. Arlington, Texas. 76010
I received a fraudulent call requesting info needed in order to mail me my new card.
I believe this to be a scam. Please be careful.
My new card is paper, not plastic. Also, I have laminated my new card. I have used it several times with no problems.If you have any questions, contact Medicare. This is just an informational site.
Old and new Medicare cards WERE and NEVER PLASTIC!! NEVER EVER !!!!!!!
My new card was PAPER, but will not be using it since I have an HMO type plan , doctors etc already have S.S. numbers anyway..
I noticed it is in Spanish also. Really?
Who gets a Medicare Advantage card?? News to me!!