WESTFIELD-Since April, Medicare has been mailing out new Medicare cards across the country and for Massachusetts residents, those cards are starting to arrive now, according to Karen Noblit, senior benefits coordinator, Westfield Council on Aging.
Karen Noblit, senior benefits coordinator for the Westfield Council on Aging, can answer questions on the new Medicare cards arriving in the mail.
Noblit, whose office is located within the Westfield Senior Center on Noble Street, said on Monday that her parents have already received their cards and some Westfield seniors are already stopping in to verify the legitimacy of the card. Medicare uses the name and address you have on file with Social Security for mailing documents.
“Watch for the envelope with the Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services information on the upper left corner,” said Noblit.
Massachusetts seniors are among those currently being mailed the new Medicare cards.
Noblit noted that for decades the government has tried and failed to have new cards printed without one’s Social Security number.
“The new cards with a unique number for each person are finally here,” she said.
Noblit added there are simple tips from Medicare that seniors should follow, however, if anyone has any questions, she said city residents can make an appointment with her (usually lasting about five minutes) to review the card for its validity.
“There are scams by callers and with mailers,” said Noblit. “Your first line of defense is calling the police if you suspect fraud. We can also help you whenever you have any questions or concerns.”
Noblit has a handy tip sheet for seniors who will be receiving the new Medicare cards. The tip sheet is also available in Russian and Spanish.
Tip sheet highlights include:
- Once you receive your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card immediately.
- Since mailing millions of Medicare cards takes time, your card may arrive at a different time than your friend or neighbor.
- Only share your new Medicare number with physicians, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
- Your Medicare number is unique to you and your Medicare card no longer displays your Social Security number. The new Medicare number is a unique combination of numbers and letters and the letters S, L, O, I, B and Z are never used.
- The new paper Medicare card is easier for many providers to use and copy, and you can print your own replacement card if you need one.
- Carry your new Medicare card and show it to your health care providers when you need care.
- If you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare number online.
- If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare – you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card too.
For persons who do not receive a new Medicare card by April 2019, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
“Many seniors have family members handle their mail so it is important for the general public to also be aware of the new Medicare cards,” said Noblit.
Massachusetts seniors will soon be receiving a new Medicare card in an official Department of Health & Human Services envelope.
For more information or to make an appointment with Noblit if you have questions about your new Medicare card, call (413) 562-6435.
On a related note, Noblit coordinates several benefit programs for Westfield’s seniors. If you have a question on MassHealth, Medicare, supplemental plans, prescription drug plans, fuel or food stamp assistance, or the Brown Bag Program, contact Noblit during weekday hours to set up an appointment.
