New Medicare Cards Are Coming Soon
In April, Medicare will start mailing new cards that don't disclose Social Security numbers. But the rollout will take a year.
Question: I remember reading that Medicare will start sending out new cards this year that don't include Social Security numbers. How can I find out when I'll receive my new card? Do I need to do anything to get it?
Answer: In an effort to protect against identity theft, Medicare has been preparing to replace everyone's Medicare cards with new ones that include a unique 11-digit Medicare identifier rather than your Social Security number (see an example of the new card). The agency will send out the new cards to all Medicare beneficiaries from April 2018 to April 2019, with the time frame based on your state. The first wave of new cards will be mailed from April to June 2018 to people in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. See the rollout schedule to find out when you should be receiving your new card.
You'll get your new card automatically and don't need to do anything, other than make sure that the Social Security Administration has your current mailing address. You can update your address through your My Social Security account or by calling the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213. Beware of scam artists who are taking advantage of this change to steal money and personal information. There is no charge for the new card, and Medicare will not call asking for your Social Security or bank information in order to send you a new card. See the Federal Trade Commission's alert for more information about new card scams.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The new card won't change your benefits, and you can use it as soon as you receive it. If you have a separate card for a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription-drug plan, you should keep that card, too.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
-
Stock Market Today: Dow Climbs 288 Points After Amazon, Intel Earnings
Post-earnings strength from Amazon and Intel helped cushion the blow of a disappointing October jobs report.
By David Dittman Published
-
Nvidia Stock Is Joining the Dow. Is It Time to Buy?
Nvidia will replace Intel in the Dow Jones Industrial Average this Friday. What does it mean for the stock?
By Dan Burrows Published
-
Getting Out of an RMD Penalty
retirement When your brokerage firm miscalculates your required minimum distributions, you have recourse.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Borrowers Get More Time to Repay 401(k) Loans
retirement If you leave your job while you have an outstanding 401(k) loan, Uncle Sam now gives you extra time to repay it -- thanks to the new tax law.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
It’s Not Too Late to Boost Retirement Savings for 2018
retirement Some retirement accounts will accept contributions for 2018 up until the April tax deadline.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
How to Correct a Mistake on Your RMDs from IRAs
retirement If you didn't take out the correct required minimum distribution because your brokerage firm made a mistake, the IRS may show some leniency.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Making the Most of a Health Savings Account Once You Turn Age 65
Making Your Money Last You’ll face a stiff penalty and taxes if you tap your health savings account for non-medical expenses before the age of 65. After that, the rules change.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Reporting Charitable IRA Distributions on Tax Returns Can Be Confusing
IRAs Taxpayers need to be careful when reporting charitable gifts from their IRA on their tax returns, or they may end up overpaying Uncle Sam.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Make the Most of the New Military Retirement Plan
retirement The government is offering a new retirement option so that service members who leave the military before qualifying for a pension can still receive some benefits.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
How Changes in Income Affect Medicare Premiums
Medicare Medicare beneficiaries can see their premiums go up if their income rises, although for some that increase will be only temporary.
By Kimberly Lankford Published