New Medicare ID Number and Card Transition

Refresher on the new ID Cards for Medicare with MBI Numbers.


A red asterisk (*) indicates required questions.

  1. Background:
    Recently a caller that was new to Medicare called us to enroll. Since they are new to Medicare, they were provided the new card and Medicare Claim Number, called Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) as outlined below.

    It is important that everyone is reminded that newer members will not have a HICN number, but the new MBI number. Always refer to their ID as their Medicare Claim Number. If searching through MARx a message might pop up indicating the number is invalid to advise them to check with CMS on their number so that we can properly enroll them.

    The below refresher is a reminder on the new Medicare Cards and MBI number (Medicare Claim Number).

    NOTE: this is a review and answers are not required until asked to provide your acknowledgment and provide your personal information.


  1. The guidance regarding the new Medicare Claim Number and Card is outlined in the Job Aid in theSource, TSRC-PROD-005609 - MED D New Medicare ID Number and Card (Coming in 2018) which is outlined in this review.


  1. Overview

    The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 mandates the removal of the Social Security Number (SSN)-based HICN from Medicare cards to address current risk of beneficiary medical identity theft.
    The legislation requires that CMS mail out new Medicare cards with a new Medicare Claim Number referred to as Medicare Beneficiary Identifier - (MBI) beginning April 2018 through April of 2018.

    CMS began generating the MBI numbers in May of 2017 for all individuals with medicare (currently enrolled, deceased, archived, and new enrollees). After April 2018, an MBI will be issues to all beneficiaries that are elgible for Medicare.

    New beneficiaries that become eligible on or after April 1, 2018 will ONLY be assigned a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). A HICN will NOT be assigned to beneficiaries who are new to Medicare.

    Those covered under the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) retirement benefits will receive a new card with the MBI format. Therefore, RRB members will not longer have a unique Medicare ID number.

    The new Medicare numbers won't change Medicare benefits. Individuals with Medicare may start using their new Medicare cards as soon as they are received.

    NOTE: In order to receive their new card, the Social Security Administration must have the beneficiary's correct address on file. If applicable, advise the beneficiary to update their mailing address with the Social Security Administration either at ssa.gov/myaccount or calling 1-800-772-1213


  1. What the Old Medicare Card looked like.



  1. What the new Medicare Card looks like.



  1. Important Dates



  1. If asked when will they get a new card.




  1. DO NOT ask for a HICN or MBI.
    Always ask - "Can you provide me your Medicare Claim Number" to validate eligibility for enrollment.
    If you receive and error message indicating "Attention: The claim number is not a valid SSA, RRB, or CMS Internal number", then refer them to CMS to confirm their Medicare Claim Number and eligibility for enrollment and call us back so we can properly enroll them.


  1. I acknowledge and understand the changes to the Medicare Card and ID Number and will comply with the guidance provided.*
    Yes
    No


  1. C, U or Z ID Number (C, U or Z followed by numbers).*


  1. First Name*


  1. Last Name*


  1. Choose your location*
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    Miramar
    Yuma
    Alamo Downs
    Chandler
    Hawaii
    Knoxville
    Nashville
    Nashville WFH
    Orlando WFH
    Pittsburgh
    Phoenix
    Solon
    Solon WFH





Guy Macdonald