Currently, Medicare cards display each beneficiary’s Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN). To reduce the risk of identity theft and to protect your personal information, a new federal law requires that HICNs be replaced with a new, unique Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) number. This new number will replace your HICN for all internal and external transactions.
So, what do these changes mean for Medicare members? Here are a few things you should know:
- New cards are coming. Members who live in Michigan are scheduled to receive their cards sometime between July 2018 and April 2019. This new Medicare card replaces your current red, white and blue Medicare card.
- Your new card will have a new Medicare number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security number. This will help protect your identity.
- Your new card will be mailed to you. You don’t need to do anything as long as your address is current. To update your address, contact Social Security at http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount or call 800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).
- You can use your current red, white and blue card until you receive your new one.
- You should start using your new Medicare card and your new Medicare number as soon as you receive them. You should destroy your old Medicare card once you receive your new card in the mail.
For Medicare Advantage members: Your new red, white and blue Medicare card does not replace your Priority Health Medicare Advantage membership card. You don’t need to use your new red, white and blue Medicare card when receiving services—just keep it in a safe place, as you’ll need it to join, leave or switch plans. You also may be asked for if you go to the hospital.
For Medigap members: This new Medicare card does not replace your Priority Health Medigap membership card. You will still need to use your Priority Health Medigap membership card and your new red, white and blue Medicare card when receiving services. You’ll also need it to join, leave or switch plans and you may be asked if you go to the hospital.
You can receive more information on the new Medicare number and card, sign up to receive updates from CMS on the mailing schedule and more by visiting go.medicare.gov/newcard.
