We recently received some helpful information from the Ohio Senior Health
Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) about new Medicare cards that will begin to be mailed in the Spring.  We wanted to share this information so that you are aware and prepared.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will remove Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and mail each person a new card. This will help to keep information more secure and help protect against identity fraud.  Cardholders will receive a new Medicare number that is unique to them.

The new card will not change coverage or benefits.

Here’s how you can prepare:

• Make sure your mailing address is up-to-date.  If your address needs to be corrected, contact Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount or 1-800-772-1213.

• Be aware of anyone who contacts you about your new Medicare card.  CMS will never ask you for personal or private information to receive your new Medicare number and card.

• Mailing new cards will take time.  Your card delivery may arrive at a different time period than your family, friends or neighbors.

New cards will be mailed out between April 2018 and April 2019.  For more information, you can log onto the CMS website at https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/New-Medicare-Card/index.html or OSHIIP’s website at http://www.insurance.ohio.gov/consumer/pages/consumertab2.aspx.

Just a reminder as well that Medicare Check-Up Days will be taking place this Fall all across our district.  There is one scheduled in each of the ten counties we serve that includes Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.

The events are designed to help Medicare beneficiaries evaluate their current coverage and make the determination on whether they should switch to a plan that will better support their needs, in addition to help with any Medicare questions or concerns.

To learn more about the Medicare Check-Up Day in your county, check out our website at www.aaa7.org under “About AAA7” and then “Upcoming Events”, or you can call our Agency toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 or e-mail info@aaa7.org.

Most of the events feature individual counseling sessions that require an appointment.

This is important to know so that you can call ahead to assure you have secured a time to talk to someone one-on-one about your plan and any questions you may have.

 

Pamela Matura is the executive director for the Area Agency on Aging District 7.