Be on the lookout for your new Medicare Cards and tell everyone else to look for theirs. Your neighbors, your family, friends and strangers even! The new cards will have a randomly generated number. No longer will it use your Social Security number! Great thing and it will help protect all of us from identity fraud.
“We’re taking this step to protect our seniors from fraudulent use of Social Security numbers which can lead to identity theft and illegal use of Medicare benefits,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “We want to be sure that Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers know about these changes well in advance and have the information they need to make a seamless transition.”
Be very cautious and on the alert for scammers. If anyone calls you about your replacement card they are not from Medicare or Social Security! Officials will NEVER ask you for personal or private information or ask for money as part of the new card process.
It looks like Connecticut and the rest of New England will be getting theirs after June of 2018. To be sure you get your card make sure Social Security has your correct address. You can check your address by visiting ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 800-772-1213.
Just make sure you don’t throw it out with the junk mail!!