Reminder that patient Medicare numbers are considered protected health information (HIPAA)

CMS is mailing new Medicare cards with new Medicare numbers (known as the Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBIs)) to people newly enrolling in Medicare. People who already have Medicare coverage will receive their cards on a flow basis.

The MBI is protected health information. Protect the MBI and only share it for Medicare-related business, just as you currently do with the Health Insurance Claim Number.

For More Information:

• New Medicare Card Provider webpage
• HIPAA Basics for Providers: Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules Fact Sheet