by Jan Cammack, Broker and Medicare Specialist at GHB Insurance

Starting in April 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin mailing out new Medicare cards that include a new Medicare Number, one that is unique to each individual with Medicare.

Medicare is removing Social Security Numbers from Medicare cards, a change that will protect the card holder’s identity.

Personal identity theft affects a large and growing number of seniors. People age 65 or older are increasingly the victims of this type of crime. This is why the CMS is readying a fraud prevention initiative that removes the Social Security Numbers from Medicare cards. Their aim is to help combat identity theft and safeguard taxpayer dollars.

Expect to receive your new card in the mail anytime beginning in April 2018. Mailings will be staggered throughout the year through April 2019.

Protect yourself by making sure no one can get your personal information from your old Medicare card. Once you get your new card, destroy your old card and start using your new card right away.

There is more about the new cards HERE.

And, as always, give us a call here at GHB Insurance with any questions or email me at Jan@ghbinsurance.com.