ALTSD News:

SANTA FE — New Medicare cards are arriving in mailboxes as part of a nationwide reissuance affecting 1.3 million beneficiaries—and state officials are warning residents that scammers routinely exploit these moments to steal personal information.  

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have issued updated Medicare cards with new Medicare numbers as part of an effort to improve security protections and reduce identity theft and fraudulent billing. Not all beneficiaries will receive an updated card. Official communications regarding replacement Medicare cards will arrive by mail only. Medicare does not require beneficiaries to activate new cards or pay any fee to receive them.

“Scammers often use moments like this to create fear and urgency in an attempt to steal sensitive information,” said Emily Kaltenbach, Aging department secretary. “As new Medicare cards begin arriving, it’s important that New Mexicans know what to expect and understand the warning signs of potential scams.”

Beneficiaries who receive a new Medicare card should update records with healthcare providers and insurance companies, securely destroy old cards, and monitor Medicare statements for suspicious activity or billing errors.

New Mexicans with questions or concerns about Medicare fraud or new Medicare cards can contact the New Mexico Senior Medicare Patrol program at 800.432.2080 or visit altsd.nm.gov.