Lately, reports have been circulating on social media of users who have received new Medicare cards in the mail without having requested them, which has raised concerns about possible scams. One affected person shared his experience: He recounted receiving a letter from Medicare informing him about a new number and card due to a problem detected with his old number.
After contacting Medicare to check on the situation, she wondered if other people with Medicare were experiencing the same thing. Well, next you’ll see what the Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have to say about this viral rumors.
Is Medicare Issuing New Card Numbers to Patients?
In response to these concerns, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) clarified that, when they detect a compromise in someone’s Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), they take steps to close the old account and issue a new card.
This is done to prevent fraud and protect Medicare users. However, they recognize that this process can cause inconveniences and offer the option of applying for a new Medicare number if any compromise is suspected.
Medicare card numbers are assigned to patients according to the identification system established by the Medicare program. These numbers, known as Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBI), are unique to each beneficiary and are generated using a specific algorithm that combines information such as the patient’s name, date of birth and other personal data.
Once a person is eligible for Medicare and enrolls in the program, they are automatically assigned a Medicare card number that will be used to identify them in all transactions and services related to the Medicare program. It is important to keep this number safe and not share it unnecessarily to avoid possible fraud or misuse of the Medicare card.
Stay Vigilant For Medicare Cards Scams
The Office of Attorney General John M. Formella is alerting New Hampshire residents, especially Medicare beneficiaries, about scammers posing as Medicare representatives to obtain personal information. Recently, the Office has received several reports from New Hampshire residents who have been contacted by scammers pretending to be from Medicare.
Scammers ask if they have received a new Medicare card and, if the answer is negative, they ask for personal information such as Medicare and Social Security number.
This is a phishing scam, by which the patient’s data is obtained in order to perform identity theft or commit additional crimes, such as obtaining loans or credit cards on their behalf.
It is important to remember that Medicare can be contacted directly at the easy-to-remember number 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) for inquiries or reports. If you have any questions or concerns about your Medicare card or number, it is advisable to contact Medicare for advice and to take appropriate measures.
