New medical cards are designed to reduce Medicare fraud

Make note of these facts to help ensure a smooth transition to your new card.

1. Your card will have a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This can help protect your identity and keep your personal information more secure.

2. Your card will automatically come to you at no cost. You don’t need to do anything as long as your address is up-to-date. If you need to update your address, visit socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

3. You can find out when your card is mailing by signing up for email notifications at Medicare.gov/NewCard.

4. Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.

5. Mailing takes time, and Medicare will mail the new cards by April 2019. Your card may arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.

6. Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new one right away. Rather than simply throwing the old card away, shred it or cut it into small pieces.

7. Your card will be paper and not laminated, which makes it easier for many providers to use and copy for their records.

8. 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 also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card, too.

9. Doctors, other health care providers and facilities know your new card is coming and will ask for your new Medicare card when you need care, so carry it with you.

10. Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf. Treat your Medicare Number like you treat your credit card numbers. Medicare will never contact you uninvited to ask for personal information.