Beginning in 2020 there only will be a few exceptions for when providers will be allowed to use Social Security-based Health Insurance Claim Numbers (HICNs) on claims.
 
After Jan. 1, 2020, agencies must use the new Medicare beneficiary identifiers (MBIs). Until then, CMS will accept claims whether they include an MBI or an HICN.
 
The transition is already underway. For the week ending July 5, providers submitted 76% of fee-for-service claims using the MBI, according to CMS.
 
If patients say they haven’t received a Medicare new card with new MBIs, CMS recommends providers offer the following instruction:
  • Look for unopened mail. CMS mailed new Medicare cards in a plain white envelope from the Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Sign on to MyMedicare.gov to get new numbers or print official cards. Patients who don’t already have an account will need to create on.
  • Call Medicare. Tell patients to dial (800) 633-4227 so CMS can help them get new cards. 
  • Continue using their existing cards to get care. Make clear to patients that they can use the old cards until Dec. 31, 2019.