New Medicare Cards

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that they will begin mailing new Medicare cards to all people with Medicare in the near future.

Sample image of new Medicare cards

Instead of a Social Security Number, the new card will have a Medicare Number that’s unique to each person with Medicare. The new card will help protect identities and keep personal information more secure. Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.

Medicare will automatically mail new cards at no cost to the address on file at Social Security. So if you are on Medicare, it’s important to make sure your address is up-to-date. An address can be updated easily by signing in to or creating a “my Social Security account”.

As beneficiaries begin to receive cards, keep in mind these 3 important tips:

1. Destroy your old Medicare card right away.

2. Use your new card. Doctors, other health care providers, and plans approved by Medicare know that Medicare is replacing the old cards. They are ready to accept your new card when you need care.

3. Beware of people contacting you about your new Medicare card and asking you for your Medicare Number, personal information, or to pay a fee for your new card. Treat your Medicare Number like you treat your Social Security or credit card numbers. Remember, Medicare will never contact you uninvited to ask for your personal information.

For more information on the new Medicare cards, click here to visit the Medicare website.

This notice comes to us from Virginia Commonwealth University’s National Training and Data Center, which coordinates information programs on disability-related benefits, including Social Security Work Incentives.

For more information on benefits applications, planning, and assistance, contact Norman Karp, Benefits Specialist at the North Country Center for Independence, 518-563-9058, Ext. 110, or send an email to norman@ncci-online.com