- Your card has a Medicare number unique to you. This number is used for Medicare transactions like billing, eligibility status, and claim status.
- The original Medicare card, like sample shown above, is paper. This makes it easy for many providers to use and copy.
- If you sign up for a Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) and/or a Medigap/Supplemental Plan you will also receive a health ID card for each of these plans.
- If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), you may have up to 3 cards: a Medicare Advantage card, a prescription drug card, and the original Medicare card. Your Medicare Advantage plan ID card is your main card for Medicare – you should use it whenever you need care. If you have a Medicare drug plan you should use that card as well. Although you also received an original Medicare card like the sample shown above, it is not used as long as you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan and it should be kept in a safe place.
- Beneficiaries should only give their Medicare number to doctors, pharmacist, other health care providers they know, their insurers, and people they trust to work with Medicare on their behalf.