New Medicare Number?

[marko]

Just got a new Medicare card and number. Any idea why? Not worried about it but getting a new number is news to me.

 

[Kabowest]

My mother received a new Medicare card last week with a letter stating that they suspected that her old number was compromised.

 

[PaunchyPirate]

There have been been recent reports of this happening a lot lately. It seems Medicare is trying to stamp out fraud by issuing new cards/numbers. No letter with it explaining why?

 

[marko]

There have been been recent reports of this happening a lot lately. It seems Medicare is trying to stamp out fraud by issuing new cards/numbers. No letter with it explaining why?

Letter just says to stop using the old one on a certain date. I need to re-read the letter tho

 

[braumeister]

The 1.3 Million List: Why Medicare Is Replacing ID Numbers For 1.3 Million Enrollees​

The biggest reason behind this change is fraud prevention. Officials confirmed that new Medicare ID numbers (called Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers or MBIs) are being reissued as part of an effort to reduce identity theft and fraudulent billing.

The ID number change is automatic, so you won’t need to take any action. Medicare will simply mail you a new card. There’s no fee, no application, and no activation required.

In fact, being asked to “apply” or “confirm” your new number is a major scam warning sign. If you didn’t receive official mail, you likely aren’t part of the update.

 

[harllee]

I got a new Medicare card in April. Here at my CCRC about a third of the residents have received a new card so far. Remember to give your new number to all your doctors, put it on your electronic chart etc.

 

[isisdave]

Letter just says to stop using the old one on a certain date. I need to re-read the letter tho

Yes, wife has had two of those in the last three years. Oddly, the letter or email comes first, specifying a date about a month later to start using the old one, and the card came a day or three later. You'd think if there were fraud, they'd want to switch right away.

 

[imnontrad]

There was a data breach and all accounts that were compromised got new Medicare cards/numbers.

 

[marko]

So, I went to Wellcare online to update my Part D account with the new number. THE most useless, poorly designed website of all time. Nothing but circular links that keep trying to sell me MA.

Going to try calling in the morning.

 

[harllee]

I have Wellcare also. I just called them and they already had my new Medicare number, very efficient.

 

[marko]

I have Wellcare also. I just called them and they already had my new Medicare number, very efficient.

I hate to put the words "efficient" and "Wellcare" in the same sentence, but I will call shortly.

Their website seems to be deliberately designed to frustrate any useful actions other than signing you up for more products.

[Edit] Well....I called and as @harllee said, it went very well. They already had the new number and I was done in less than 10 minutes on the phone. A bit surprised considering how poor their website is. Pretty inefficient in this day and age imo but not my problem.

 

[MRG]

I hate to put the words "efficient" and "Wellcare" in the same sentence, but I will call shortly.

Their website seems to be deliberately designed to frustrate any useful actions other than signing you up for more products.

I just got a new card from UHC as they said my number is comprised. I am slightly concerned as I'm supposed to have surgery tomorrow. The facility said they didn't want the new number yet.

I think all the providers do that to websites. Every month I play guess the 12 character password thats not the same as previous ones and create another one that so complicated I won't figure it out. I get lost with the numerous circular references ! I was a software engineer. This is ******

 

[mickeyd]

I also got a new # from them. My DR folks said something about hackers etc.

 

[Midpack]

1.3 million of us did, as noted above.

 

[Go Bolts]

So, I went to Wellcare online to update my Part D account with the new number. THE most useless, poorly designed website of all time. Nothing but circular links that keep trying to sell me MA.

Going to try calling in the morning.

I would not think you need to do this. Medicare should provide the new number to Wellcare/Centene.

I just got a new Medicare number as well, and not worried about it.

 

[marko]

I would not think you need to do this. Medicare should provide the new number to Wellcare/Centene.

I just got a new Medicare number as well, and not worried about it.

While I like Wellcare's pricing, they have not impressed me in any way with regards to competence. Trust, but verify.

 

[harllee]

I would not think you need to do this. Medicare should provide the new number to Wellcare/Centene.

I just got a new Medicare number as well, and not worried about it.

My Part D with Wellcare had my new number but my supplement with AARP/UHC did not, they needed a call. And of course I had to give it to all my doctors