New Medicare Card Initiative: Web Updates and Provider Ombudsman Announced
As part of the nationwide initiative to eliminate the use of Social Security numbers on all Medicare cards by 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) continues to share resources to help providers with the transition, including a website and information on how to use the new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). CMS has also established a Provider Ombudsman to assist with implementation issues. Beginning in April 2018, CMS will begin mailing the new Medicare cards with the MBI to all people with Medicare in phases by geographic location.
Online Resources
CMS has updated the New Medicare Card Overview webpage:
- Find Project Milestones
- Systems testing and transition period
The “How do providers use MBIs?” section of the Provider webpage was also updated:
- Find the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) on the remittance advice
- Use of qualifiers for beneficiary eligibility
Provider Ombudsman
The Provider Ombudsman for the New Medicare Card will serve as a CMS resource for the provider community. The Ombudsman will ensure that CMS hears and understands any implementation problems experienced by clinicians, hospitals, suppliers, and other providers.
Dr. Eugene Freund will be serving in this position. He will also communicate about the New Medicare Card to providers and collaborate with CMS components to develop solutions to any implementation problems that arise. To reach the Ombudsman, contact: NMCProviderQuestions@cms.hhs.gov.
The Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman and CMS staff will address inquiries from Medicare beneficiaries and their representatives through existing inquiry processes. Visit Medicare.gov for information on how the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman can help you.
