Medicare cards

[codgerbill]

As we all know the Medicare card contains our social security number. I am asked for my Medicare card when I have Doctor office visits or prior to any proceedures at a hospital. I have a reluctance to carrying the card in my wallet because it does have my SS# printed on it. I am just wondering if it would be acceptable to just give the health care providers my SS# at the time of the service as it is rendered?

[OneRVer]

I am sure it would be as long as you remember which plan you have. Plan A or Plan B.

[BigSkyBob]

On a recent trip to the hospital, my wife was asked for her Medicare card and her military ID card for Tricare. She wanted to give them just the numbers but they insisted on taking copies of both cards. I didn't like it either but they are in control so what can you do.

[vermilye]

Unfortunately, many offices require a photocopy of your insurance cards. At least one that I have visited use a small card scanner to add it to their patient database. Who knows how well protected it is...

[Route 66]

Medicare is moving at a snails pace to replace the SS ID number with a non-SS ID number.

I will be amazed if I see the change before I expire.