Lancaster, Pennsylvania – Medicare beneficiaries in Lancaster have been receiving unexpected new cards in the mail, sparking concerns about potential scams. Viewers have been reaching out to the 8 On Your Side team with questions regarding these unsolicited replacements and whether they are legitimate. One viewer shared their experience of receiving a notification from Medicare stating that a new Medicare number and card were being issued due to an issue with their current number. After contacting Medicare and verifying the authenticity of the letter, they questioned if others with Medicare were facing similar situations.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), instances where a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) has been compromised prompt the issuance of new account numbers while deactivating the old ones. Although this process may cause disruption for Medicare beneficiaries and their healthcare providers, CMS highlights the necessity of such actions in preventing fraud and safeguarding Medicare recipients. For those who suspect their current Medicare number has been compromised, CMS also offers the option to request a replacement independently.
The ease of reaching Medicare for assistance is emphasized, with a simple and memorable contact number provided: 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227). This ensures that beneficiaries can quickly and easily address any concerns or inquiries related to their Medicare accounts. As the issue of unauthorized Medicare card replacements continues to impact individuals in Lancaster, staying vigilant and promptly addressing any suspicious activity is crucial in safeguarding personal information and preventing potential fraud.