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Q: 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?

A: 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. The new card won’t change your benefits, and you can use it as soon as you receive it.

The agency will send out the new cards to all Medicare beneficiaries between April 2018 and April 2019, with the time frame based on your state. The first wave of new cards will be mailed from April to June this year to people in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

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 online My Social Security account or by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

Once you get your new Medicare card, take these steps to make it harder for someone to steal your information and identity:

1. Destroy your old Medicare card right away, and treat your Medicare number like you treat your Social Security or credit card numbers. If you have a separate card for a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription-drug plan, you should keep that card.
2. Use your new card. Doctors, other healthcare providers, and plans approved by Medicare know that Medicare is replacing the old cards. They are ready to accept your new card when you need care.
3. Beware of people who contact you about your new Medicare card and ask for your Medicare number, personal information, or ask you to pay a fee to receive your new card. 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.

For more information about your new Medicare card, visit go.medicare.gov/newcard. You can also visit Medicare.gov for tips to prevent Medicare fraud.

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