Medicare Issues New Cards; Beware of Scams

Beginning April 2018, Medicare will begin the year-long process of issuing new Medicare cards. The new card will have a unique Medicare number listed, not your social security number. You will NOT have to do anything to receive this new card.

This change will encourage scammers to try new tactics. If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from Medicare asking you to confirm your social security number for the new card, it is a scam. If you receive a call telling you to pay for a new or temporary card, it is a scam. Here are a few reminders while Medicare changes to the new card:

• A legitimate agency is NOT going to call and ask for your Social Security number in order to issue you a new Medicare card.

• If you are not sure if the call is authentic, hang up and call the agency back on their customer service line. Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 and Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

• There are NO fees associated with the new Medicare cards. You will NOT lose benefits while you wait for the new card.

Sources: CMS, AARP & Federal Trade Commission