Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Recipients of Medicare are starting to receive their new Medicare cards in the area. The new cards will have a new Medicare number instead of a Social Security Number. These cards will be more secure and help protect your identity. Your new number will be used only for your Medicare coverage. When you receive your new card make sure the information on it is correct.
For your security you need to securely destroy your old Medicare card.
You can start using your new card right away. Use it in the same way you used your old card. The new card doesn’t change your Medicare coverage or benefits. When you are seeing your doctors, or other healthcare providers, you will need to show them your new card because the number has changed.
If you have other coverage like Medicare Advantage Plan, Prescription Drug Plan or Medicaid your new Medicare card doesn’t replace the card you use for these plans. You’ll still use your existing plan card when you need care of prescriptions. You’ll need this new Medicare card if you want to join, leave, or switch to a different plan.
If you need more information or have questions about Medicare card call 1-800-663-4227.
TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
You can also call Heartland Human Services at 1-217-347-7179, ext. 1038