The New Medicare Card
The new medicare card will look like this
Medicare has mailed new cards … With new numbers to all beneficiaries.
WHAT IT MEANS TO PROVIDERS
The number will no longer be based on social security numbers
There will be a grace period to use either number for billing
Thereafter only the new alphanumeric one issued will be valid
This should enhance privacy and security
Starting January 1, 2020 only the NEW card numbers will be used for billing
WHAT IT MEANS TO BENEFICIARIES
New Medicare card will automatically come via mail. No need to do anything as long as beneficiary’s address is up to date. If an address update is needed, refer the beneficiary to social security office or online to https://www.medicare.gov/newcard/
CMS recommends once the new Medicare card arrives, destroy the old Medicare card and start using the new card right away
The new Medicare Number is a unique combination of numbers and letters. The new number uses numbers 0 thru 9. The letters S, L, B, I, O and Z are NEVER used
REMINDERS FOR BEST PRACTICE
Ask at each visit to see current insurance cards
Verify with the plan(s) active status before seeing client and billing client’s insurer- Is important to guarantee benefits are active to expect payment
Medicare card does not indicate if the client is receiving benefits under a Medicare Advantage or Part C plan so verify.
TWO WAYS to VERIFY BENEFITS are active
PHONE Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) 1-855-609-9960 Interactive Voice Response system (IVR)-Noridian for Northern and Southern California (check cms.gov for other geographic areas)
CHECK Online Noridian or other MAC (depending on state/city) Medicare Portal.
The information is for reference use only and does not constitute the rendering of legal, financial, or other professional advice.