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Sadie Says … Answers to frequently asked questions about older adult issues

Q: Why are the medicare cards changing and when will this take effect?

A: Your new Medicare card is coming.

Mailings will begin this April and cards will be mailed out over the next year through April 2019. The new cards, which are replacing your current cards, will no longer list your social security number. You will now be assigned a unique number, which will better protect you from identity theft.

You don’t need to do anything to receive your new Medicare card. It will automatically be sent to you. The new card won’t change your Medicare coverage or benefits. There’s no charge for your new card.

If your Medicare card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can ask Social Security for a new one. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days. Social Security will mail your card to the address they have on file for you.

If you need proof that you have Medicare sooner than 30 days, you can request a letter from Social Security. The letter will arrive in the mail in about 10 days.

If you need proof immediately for your doctor or for a prescription, visit your local Social Security office. If you need to change your name or address on your card, please know that Medicare uses the name and address you have on file with Social Security. So be sure your Medicare Card, Social Security Card and Health Insurance cards all have your name listed the same on each card.

To change your name and-or address, visit your Social Security Office or you can go online to my Social Security account.

If you have additional questions about your Medicare card, consult your local Social Security Office here located at 270 W. Third St., Suite 100. The National Social Security phone: 1-800-772-1213. Local Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; and 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays.

Information about Medicare card was referenced from this webpage: https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-and-resources/your-medicare-card.html

Sadie Says … is brought to you by the Lycoming County Health Improvement Coalition’s Safe Communities Task Force, whose members include AAA North Penn, AARP, Area Agency on Aging and regional transportation and highway safety advocates.

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