The Indiana Department of Insurance State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), a free and impartial counseling program, answers Hoosiers’ questions about Medicare. Many are asking if it’s true that they will be getting new Medicare cards and they want to know why, how and when. The Department provides the following information to help answer those questions.
It is true. Hoosiers who had Medicare before April 2018 will receive a new card with instructions in the mail. Those new to Medicare in April 2018 or later will get the new card when they are enrolled.
The biggest reason the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are supplying new cards is to remove the Social Security number from the card to keep Hoosiers safe from medical identity theft. CMS began mailing the new cards this month to various states. They plan to mail out the cards to Indiana residents after June. However, everyone in Indiana may not receive their cards at the same time. For those retired from a railroad, the Railroad Retirement Board will mail the new cards.
Important things to remember
- Only your Medicare card and number are changing
- Your Medicare benefits stay the same.
- Your Social Security Number stays the same.
- Any enrollments in Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription plans, and Medigap (Supplemental) policies don’t change – keep those plan cards. Be sure to destroy your old red, white and blue Medicare card, but don’t destroy your plan’s card.
- You should start using your new card as soon as you receive it. Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, you can only use the new Medicare card and new number.
Protect yourself from fraud
- Do not share your Medicare card with anyone. Treat it like a credit card. Don’t carry it unless you need it. Keep it in a safe place.
- Scam artists may try to get personal information by contacting you by phone about your new card. If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up.
- Never give out your Social Security number over the phone.
- If you suspect Medicare fraud, contact Indiana’s SMP at 317-205-9201, or contact SHIP for assistance.
More Information
If you have questions about Medicare or your new Medicare cards, call SHIP at 1-800-452-4800, 1-866-846-0139 TDD or online at medicare.in.gov. Visit Medicare.gov/NewCard and sign up for email updates, or visit the Medicare Facebook page at facebook.com/medicare.
About Indiana Department of Insurance
The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) protects Indiana’s insurance consumers by monitoring and regulating the financial strengths and market conduct activities of insurance companies and agents. The IDOI monitors insurance companies and agents for compliance with state laws to protect consumers and to offer them the best array of insurance products available. The IDOI also assists Hoosiers with insurance questions and provides guidance in understanding how insurance policies work.