Do You Need Your Medicare Benefit Card?

Many people who rely on Medicare for their health insurance will ask the same question; do I really need my Medicare benefit card?  This is not to question the system or fight the power, but to overcome the glut of cards that Americans are overcome with every year.  Between credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, library cards, and insurance cards of other types, why does it matter if you carry your Medicare benefit card?

So what is on the Medicare benefit card that makes it so important?

• Firstly, the fact that your name and the date that your Medicare coverage became effective is a good reason to keep track of the card.  This will alleviate any issues with coverage being disputed when you go to the doctor, so keeping it on hand can protect any questions of coverage.
• Second, your Medicare benefit card has printed on the front the phone number to call for any issues with the card itself.  This can be very handy if you do have issues with your doctor when you are trying to get services.  You can call the number on the front of your Medicare benefit card and have them sort it all out.
• Finally, your Medicare benefit card has printed on the front your Medicare claim number and the coverage that you have through Medicare.  This is perhaps the most important part of your Medicare benefit card because it gives the doctor’s office or hospital an idea of what to do right away.

Entry Filed under: Benefits Explained