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As you may have already heard, between now and April 2019, new cards will be mailed to all Medicare beneficiaries. With both Maryland and the District of Columbia being in the first wave, you should receive your new card by June of this year.

The new card will help protect your identity and keep your personal information more secure by removing your Social Security number and replacing it with a new Medicare number that’s unique to you. Be assured that your Medicare coverage and benefits stay the same.

There’s nothing you need to do to receive your card, other than making sure that your address on file with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is current. If you need to update your mailing address, contact SSA at ssa.gov/myaccount or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

Once you get your new Medicare card, take these three steps to make it harder for someone to steal your information and identity:

1. Destroy your old Medicare card right away.
2. Use your new card. Doctors, other healthcare providers and plans approved by Medicare know that Medicare is replacing the old cards. They are ready to accept your new card when you need care.
3. Beware of people who contact you about your new Medicare card and ask for your Medicare number, personal information, or ask you to pay a fee for your new card.

Treat your Medicare number like you treat your Social Security or credit card numbers. Remember, Medicare will never contact you to ask for your personal information.

For more information about your new Medicare card, visit go.medicare.gov/newcard. You can also visit Medicare.gov for tips to prevent Medicare fraud.

— Barbara Albert is program manager of the Howard County State Health Insurance Program (SHIP).