You are probably aware that the Centers for Medicare Services (CMS) is sending out new Medicare cards to all Medicare recipients. This will happen between April 2018 and April 2019.
It may not surprise you to know that there are already people using this situation to run scams on Medicare recipients. Medicare beneficiaries should keep the following in mind:
• No action is needed. New Medicare cards will be automatically mailed to the address that CMS has on file. Medicare beneficiaries should not provide any information to anyone claiming it is needed for the new card.
• A temporary card is not needed. Medicare beneficiaries can continue to use their existing card until they receive a new one.
• CMS does not charge for Medicare cards.
• Medicare will not call. Be suspicious of anyone calling about the new Medicare card.
• In general, it is never a good idea to give personal information like Social Security number, Medicare number or credit card number over the phone if you are not 100% certain who you’re talking to and how it will be used.
Learn more about the new Medicare card by visiting the CMS website, or beginsat50.com.
If you have questions about your AARP Medicare Supplement plan insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, please call UnitedHealthcare at 1-800-523-5800.