New Medicare Numbers and Cards for EVERYONE

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) helps prevent fraud and identity theft, while also protecting taxpayer dollars. MACRA requires that all Medicare beneficiaries be assigned a New Medicare Number, which is randomly generated and does not identify with the beneficiary's personal information. 

 

Many beneficiaries began receiving correspondence from their insurance providers already, as well as having been notified via the 2018 Medicare & You handbook in October.
 
They will also be notified by mail when they receive their new ID card. 

Medicare beneficiaries can receive continuous updates by visiting the New Medicare Card site, updated by CMS regularly. 

They can also receive more information by visiting the Your Medicare Card page found at Medicare.gov.

 
There will be a required transition period, running April 2018 - December 31, 2019, during which time insurance carriers and providers must accept either the HICN or the new Medicare number.  As of January 1, 2020, only the new Medicare number will be accepted. 
 
During the transition period, beneficiaries should show both cards to their health care providers so they may update their records. It is important that they share their new Medicare number to ensure proper handling of their claims.