July 6, 2015

REPLACEMENT MEDICARE CARDS

VitalChristinaBy Cristina Vital
Social Security Manager
Rock Island Social Security Office

Available to Recipients with a my Social Security Account

The Social Security Administration introduced the expansion of online services available through its my Social Security portal available at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced that Medicare beneficiaries can now obtain a replacement card if they have lost, damaged, or simply need to replace it online using a my Social Security account.

“I’m excited about this newest online feature to the agency’s my Social Security portal and the added convenience we’re providing Medicare beneficiaries,” Acting Commissioner Colvin said. “Any my Social Security account holder who misplaces their Medicare card will be able to request a replacement card using their online my Social Security account.”

Requesting a replacement card through my Social Security account is a convenient, cost-effective and secure way to ensure Medicare beneficiaries have a critical piece of identification available when required by medical providers as proof of Medicare coverage. Simply access your online my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and select the “Replacement Documents” tab. Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare card.” After you request a card, it will arrive in the mail in approximately 30 days.

my Social Security is a secure, online hub for doing business with Social Security, and more than 19 million people have created an a personal account.   Current Social Security beneficiaries can manage their account—change an address, adjust direct deposit, obtain a benefit verification letter, or request a replacement SSA-1099. Account holders still in the workforce can verify their earnings, and obtain estimates of future benefits. In addition to those existing services, Medicare beneficiaries will now be able to request a replacement Medicare card without waiting for a replacement form in the mail.

For additional information about my Social
Security or more details about how to establish an account visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

HALF A CENTURY OF HELP WITH MEDICARE

On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law with these words: “No longer will older Americans be denied the healing miracle of modern medicine.  No longer will illness crush and destroy the savings that they have so carefully put away over a lifetime.”

For 50 years, the Medicare program has provided essential health care services for millions of people who are age 65 or older, disabled, or have debilitating diseases. Without Medicare, many people would not be able to pay for hospital care, doctor’s visits, medical tests, preventive services, or prescription drugs.

Your Medicare card is the most important piece of identification you own as a Medicare beneficiary since medical providers will request it when you seek their services. If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Medicare card, you can do it online with a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Requesting a replacement card through my Social Security is safe, convenient, and easy.  Going online saves you a trip to your local Social Security office or unproductive time on the phone. Request your replacement Medicare card the easy and convenient way — online — and you’ll get it in the same amount of time as you would if you applied in an office or over the phone — in about 30 days.

Fifty years ago, Medicare did not have as many options as it does today. As the largest public health program in the United States, Medicare includes four parts to keep you covered:

•  Part A is insurance that covers inpatient hospital stays, outpatient care in nursing facilities, hospice, and home health care.

•  Part B includes medical insurance for doctor’s services, medical supplies, outpatient care, and preventive services.

•  Part C is a Medicare advantage plan that allows you to choose your health care coverage through a provider organization.  You must have Part A and Part B to enroll in Part C. This plan usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage and may include extra benefits and services at an additional cost.

•  Part D is prescription drug coverage.  There is a separate monthly premium for this plan; however, people with low resources and income may qualify for the Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs from Social Security.  Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp to see if you qualify.

A recent survey to Medicare beneficiaries asked:  Why do you love Medicare?  One person stated, “It gives peace of mind not only for seniors, but for veterans and disabled as well.” Another satisfied recipient replied, “I most likely wouldn’t be alive today without Medicare.” These are just two of the millions who endorse Medicare’s half-century strong success story.

For more information about Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov. As Medicare celebrates 50 years, Social Security commemorates 80 years.  Learn more about Social Security’s 80th anniversary at www.socialsecurity.gov/80thanniversary.

Filed Under: Finance, Retirement

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