by Laurie A. Siebert, CPA, CFP^®, AEP^®, Senior Vice President
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Medicare is issuing new cards over the next 12 months in the hopes of protecting your identity and providing more security. Scammers have already found ways to take advantage of the confusion. Medicare will not contact you so beware of anyone who says they are Medicare or requesting sensitive information or payment of any kind. Understand that you will receive your new card in the mail so keep your address updated with Medicare. Other than that, there is nothing for you to do. Because the new cards will be issued over 12 months, you may receive your new card at a different time than your spouse, neighbor or friend. Know that it is coming and there is nothing you have to do but be patient and avoid scammers. Destroy your old card once the new card is received. Medicare has a notice on their website about the new cards – https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/12002-New-Medicare-Card-flyer.pdf