CMS will begin mailing new Medicare cards with the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) on April 1. Start using the MBI as soon as your patients get their new cards. The MBI on the new card is effective immediately unless the patient is new to Medicare, in which case refer to the “coverage starts” date on the card. People new to Medicare will only have a Medicare card with an MBI.
How can I get the MBI?
- From your patient’s new Medicare card: From April 2018 through December 31, 2019, if you submit a HICN on the 270 eligibility transaction request, we will tell you in the message field of the 271 response when we mailed a new Medicare card to each individual with Fee-For-Service Medicare. (Mailing schedule)
- From your Medicare Administrative Contractor’s (MAC) portal if your patient can’t provide the card: Starting in June 2018, use the look-up tool on your MAC’s portal. If you don’t have access, sign up.
- From the Remittance Advice (RA): From October 2018 through December 31, 2019, we will include the MBI on the RA if you submit a HICN on the claim.