In an effort to combat senior identify theft and fraud, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will issue new Medicare ID cards for nearly 60 million beneficiaries. Currently, Medicare ID numbers include a social security number. Beginning in April, each new Medicare ID will feature 11 randomly selected numbers and letters.
Already on Medicare?
You don’t need to take action. TRS will be able to retrieve your new Medicare ID number and will contact you if needed.
Find more information about this transition on the CMS website.
Almost eligible for Medicare or turning 65?
If you turn 65 on or after July 2018, your Medicare ID card will feature the new format. Your Medicare ID card will feature the new format. TRS will reach out to you before your 65th birthday so that you can report your Medicare number back to us. If you are turning 65 prior to July but wait until April or after to enroll in Medicare, your Medicare ID card will also feature the new format.
Be aware of scams!
Neither TRS nor CMS will call you to request that you mail your old Medicare card or pay to get a new one before you can get a replacement. We are aware of the
scams targeting seniors and remind our retirees to be cautious of individuals asking for this information. Medicare advises seniors to destroy their old cards once when they receive the new ones.
