Patients will receive new Medicare cards! The new cards started to be sent out in April 2018 and all patients will have received cards by April 2019. 

The new Medicare cards include a unique Medicare number that is more secure to protect the patient's identity. 

Once patients receive their new Medicare cards, they will need to present this card at each appointment. All coverage and benefits will stay the same. 

If a patient's address has recently changed, contact Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount or 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

10 Things to Know about the New Medicare Cards: 

1. Mailing takes time: Patient cards may arrive at different times than a friend or neighbor.

2. Destroy your old Medicare card: Once a patient gets their new Medicare card, destroy the old Medicare card and start using the new card right away.

3. Guard your card: Only give the new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, insurers, or trusted people who work with Medicare on your behalf.

4. The new Medicare Number is unique: The card has a new number instead of a patient's Social Security Number. This new number is unique to each patient.

5. The new card is paper: Paper cards are easier for many providers to use and copy, and they save taxpayers money. Plus, each patient can print a replacement card if needed.

6. Encourage patients to keep their new card with them: Patients should carry new cards and show it to health care providers when they need care.

7. Doctors know it's coming: Doctors, other health care facilities and providers will ask patients for their new Medicare card when they receive care.

8. Patients can find their number: If a patient forgets their new card, doctors or other health care providers may be able to look it up Medicare Number online.

9. Keep the Medicare Advantage Card: If a patient has a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), the Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is their main card for Medicare and they should still keep and use it whenever receiving care. However, patients also may be asked to show their new Medicare card, so they should carry both.

10. Help is available: If patients don't get the new Medicare card by April 2019, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.