Several years ago, Medicare cards were updated with random letters and numbers not associated with Social Security numbers. This was done to try to protect consumers from fraud. This update gave scammers a new opportunity in their quest to defraud us. (Ironic, isn’t it?) They offered special plastic cards, they called to verify information, and they offered to activate those new cards. A big NO to all of those!
In March, 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began reissuing Medicare cards with a new set of letters and numbers in response to a breach that impacted the security of Medicare beneficiaries. Did you get a new card? It pays to be cautious so check out the following about your new card.
- Medicare cards are PAPER not plastic including the new cards.
- Medicare cards do NOT need to be activated.
- Medicare cards are FREE. There is NO charge for your Medicare card.
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will not call you regarding the new cards.
- Information on Medicare is FREE from 1 800 MEDICARE.
If you get a new Medicare card, Forbes recommends that you stop and do a few things to verify the legitimacy of the card and new number.
- Log into your Medicare account. Click on “Get my Medicare card,” reenter your password and you should see the new card and number.
- If you don’t have a Medicare.gov account, check your Benefit Verification Letter in your My Social Security account. Social Security automatically updates the letter when a Medicare number changes. However, to see, download or order a replacement Medicare card, you must use the Mediare.gov account.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE.
- Let your medical providers know about your new number. Have your card for verification.
- When you’ve verified that your new Medicare card is legitimate, destroy your old card.
Scammers will call you claiming to be from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Scammers will contact you and try to get your personal information. Scammers will tell you that your Medicare (or Social Security) has been compromised and they need you to act quickly to resolve the situation. Scammers will say anything to get you to act in THEIR best interests.
In other words: scammers have no scruples. They don’t care about you. They want your personal information and your money. They will do and say whatever it takes to get you to release information. They may request money and will most often want gift cards or cryptocurrency as it is not easily traced (if at all) and usually senders cannot recoup any of their funds.
The reissuance of Medicare cards will give scammers an (additional) opportunity to try to hook us. Don’t fall for the scammer’s line!
STOP!!! THINK!!!
Stay safe!
