Beware of “New” Medicare Card Schemes
New Medicare cards were sent to people on Medicare in 2018. These new cards removed Social Security numbers to better protect people with Medicare. While the rollout of new Medicare cards ended years ago, scams about Medicare cards continue. You will not be getting an updated Medicare card this year, but scammers may try to convince you otherwise. For example, scammers may falsely tell you that Medicare is again issuing new cards—perhaps a plastic, or chipped card. The scammers may tell you that you must verify your identity for them to send your new Medicare card. This is an attempt to gain your personal or financial information. Beware of unsolicited calls, such as anyone claiming to be from Medicare, needing you to verify your identity, or sending you an updated Medicare card.
You can take action by:
- Reviewing and understanding your Medicare health costs. If you have Original Medicare, review your Medicare & You 2025 handbook or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to request one be sent to you. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan, call your plan to learn more about your costs and coverage.
- Call SHIIP-SMP for one-on-one counseling around your Medicare coverage decisions or cost assistance programs, or if you have experienced potential Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse.
- If you’re unhappy with your coverage for 2025, find out if you can make changes during an SEP. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE for more information or your Iowa SHIIP-SMP at 1-800-351-4664.