13 Things about New Medicare Cards 2018

  • The change is part of an effort to prevent identity theft, officials said.
  • Currently, the number on a Medicare ID card – referred to as a Health Insurance Claim Number or HICN – is a person’s Social Security number.
  • The new cards remove the Social Security number and replace it with new 11-digit randomly assigned number called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier or MBI.
  • The MBI number will be used by the government and healthcare providers in providing services for Medicare recipients.
  • The exception will be those on Medicare Advantage plans, such as an HMO or PPO, which will continue to use their plan’s ID card.
  • Medicare Advantage cards do not contain the beneficiary’s Social Security number.
  • Once beneficiaries receive their card, they should contact their doctors and insurance companies with new information.
  • The new cards will be printed on regular-weight paper and will be about the size of a credit card.
  • Gender identification has also been taken off the cards.
  • New Medicare Cards have Spanish printed on them as well.
  • If you’ve not received your card, you can log on to your gov account and, if your card has been mailed, you can see your new number or print an official copy.
  • If you don’t have an account, visit gov to create one or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
  • If you have questions about your Medicare Plan please call Mintco Financial at 813-964-7100

What to do when I receive my new Medicare Card?

Once you receive your new card, you’ll receive instructions on how to safely and securely dispose of your old Medicare card.

CMS has ensured Medicare beneficiaries that the new cards will not change the coverage they receive or plans they’re enrolled in.

What to do If I did not receive my new Medicare Card?

If April 2019 is nearing and you haven’t received your card yet, don’t fret! CMS put a 21-month transition window in place where both cards will be accepted by doctors, health care providers, and suppliers.

Medicare HELP

It is important for you to have a local agent who knows the Medicare market and industry in your area, as it is ever changing.

Mintco Financial Insurance has been selling Medicare plans for over twenty years and offers most Medicare plans.

We offer:

  • Medicare Advantage
  • Medicare Supplements
  • Medicare Part D Plans

If you’re interested in more information regarding these plans, please contact us through our email

info@mintcofinancial.com or by calling our office at

813-964-7100 or 716-565-1300.