Medicaid Cards in NY

How do I get a new Medicaid card in NY?

Getting a new Medicaid card in New York if your card has been stolen, lost, or damaged is a relatively simple process. The process for getting a card replaced is one that can be done online or over the phone. You will have to go through the process of getting a new Medicaid card when an old one expires, or you may also need a replacement if you lose your card, if it gets damaged, or if it is stolen.

One way to get a new Medicaid card in New York is to call the New York State Department of Health’s Medicaid Help Hotline at 1-800-541-2831. You may also call the number located on the back of your Medicaid card (if it has been damaged and you need a replacement). Once on the phone call, you may speak to either a representative or you will be directed to an automated answering machine where you can go answer the requisite questions in order to obtain a new Medicaid card. You will need to provide your Medicaid ID number, social security number, birth date, and current address. If you are unable to provide your Medicaid ID number, you will not be able to use an automated system to renew your card and you’ll have to speak to a representative first.

If you don’t have your Medicaid ID number on file, simply ask the representative to help you get this information. They will need identifying information such as your social security number and birthdate to find your Medicaid ID.

Another way to get a new Medicaid card is to visit your local Medicaid office and ask for help in person. A qualified Medicaid representative will be able to walk you through the process and direct you to the appropriate form that you’ll need to fill out to obtain your new card. You’ll have to fill out a form and provide personal details such as your birthdate, your Medicaid ID number, and your Social Security number. The entire process can be completed in person if you visit a Medicaid office.

Finally, in New York State it’s possible for Medicaid recipients to go online to request a new Medicaid card. Fill in the fields on the application form with your CIN# or Case#, birthdate, and Social Security number (if you know it) and then request that a new Medicaid card be sent to the address they have on file. Medicaid replacement cards can only be sent to the existing address that’s on file at the New York Department of Health and Human Services.

In all cases, your new Medicaid card will be sent to you in the mail, and you will receive it within 7 to 30 days after you successfully complete and submit your application, although usually the process takes only between 7 and 10 days. Keep in mind that some people may be required to renew their Medicaid card in-person at a Medicaid office.

Do I have to reapply for Medicaid every year?

Yes, you will have to reapply for Medicaid every year. However, unless your financial or life situation has changed, the renewal application process is usually significantly simpler and takes less time than the initial Medicaid application. Because Medicaid is a government funded health insurance program with strict rules regarding who is eligible and who is not, it’s important that all recipients reapply on a yearly basis to alert authorities to changes in their financial situation. Thus, each year, you will have to review whether or not you are eligible and, if you are eligible, you’ll have to provide all the necessary documentation to reapply for Medicaid.

Most Medicaid recipients receive a packet in the mail each year with all the information they need to be able to re-enroll in the Medicaid program and obtain a new CBIC card. If you no longer qualify for Medicaid, you will receive a rejection letter in the mail informing you that you are no longer eligible and will not be receiving a new Medicaid card and coverage for the coming year. Always remember to keep your current address updated with the Medicaid office because Medicaid will only send mail to the address on file. Medicaid documents cannot be forwarded to a new address. So, if you move to a new house or apartment, make sure to update your address so that you will receive the documents you need to reapply in the coming year.

If your family is on Medicaid, will they each have a separate card?

Yes, each family member who is on Medicaid will need to have a separate Medicaid card. Even though the members of a family may be sharing a Medicaid plan, each individual needs to have their own card so that each person can receive coverage for their own needs. Each time a Medicaid card is used, the way that it was used is saved for later review by medical practitioners and (sometimes) government officials. Because of this, each family member needs their own card so that information about who is using New York’s medical services can be tracked by researchers and the government. By tracking Medicaid use, coverage of all family members can be made better and more complete each year.

In addition, there are some cases where only some family members apply for Medicaid while the other members do not. In a situation such as this, the family members who qualify must have their own separate cards, and of course, the individuals who do not qualify will not have Medicaid cards. Again, this is done to enhance the clarity and organization of the coverage provided.

For pregnant women who are Medicaid recipients and who want to obtain Medicaid coverage and Medicaid coverage for their baby, there is a specific process that they will need to go through in order to get this for their child. The woman is able to request coverage for the unborn child by either contacting her local department of social services or by going online to the NY Marketplace (the Marketplace can also be contacted on the phone at (888) 692-6166). She will need to inform these authorities that she is pregnant and tell them her expected due date. When the Medicaid office receives the necessary information, they will issue an unborn/infant card for the child, which can be used after the baby is born for doctor’s visits and any other medical costs during the interim period before the baby’s permanent Medicaid card is issued.

When do you have to present your card?

You will need to present your Medicaid Benefit Identification Card (the Common Benefit Identification Card or CBIC) after any health-related appointment or when you go to pick up a prescription medication. There are certain restrictions around what is covered by Medicaid and what is not, however, because many healthcare costs are covered by Medicaid, recipients will be asked to present their card at most healthcare institutions. Although sometimes coverage may not be provided, Medicaid cards should be presented any time you use any medical service in New York.

How do I replace a lost, damaged, or stolen Medicaid card in New York?

In New York state, you can replace a lost, damaged, or stolen Medicaid card by contacting the state Department of Health and Human Services either over the phone or in person. Or you can log into your Medicaid account online and find the appropriate form to fill out. Medicaid recipients can call 311 for additional assistance.

You will need to fill out a special form to get your Medicaid card replaced. To fill out the form, you’ll need to have the following pieces of information on hand:

●       Your Medicaid ID number

●       Your Social Security number

●       Your address

●       Your birthdate

Getting Your Medicaid ID Number

If you aren’t sure what your Medicaid ID number is, you can get this information from Health and Human services either in-person or over the phone by providing them with your identifying information along with a photo ID.

Applying for a Replacement Medicaid Card In-Person

If you go to Health and Human Services in-person to replace a stolen or lost Medicaid card, find a member of the staff and ask them for assistance with your lost, damaged, or stolen Medicaid card. Be prepared to provide a photo ID to verify that you are who you say you are. An appropriate form of identification includes the following:

●       Passport

●       Government issued photo ID

●       Driver’s license

Applying for a Replacement Medicaid Card via Email, Mail, or Fax

It is also possible to contact the New York State Department of Health and Human Services  by email, snail mail, or fax to inquire about a new Medicaid card. But if you submit an application this way, only include the last 4 digits of your Social Security number to avoid having your identity stolen.

Applying Online for a Replacement Medicaid Card

In New York state, Medicaid recipients can apply for a replacement Medicaid card by following this link. You’ll need your CIN# or Case# and your birthdate to get started on the process online.

Can I print a replacement Medicare card in New York?

Though some states allow Medicaid recipients to print a replacement card if one is lost, damaged, or stolen, in New York, you must request a replacement card using one of the methods described above. You cannot print a replacement card in New York, but will have to apply and then wait to receive your new Medicaid card in the mail.

How long does it take to receive a replacement card?

As a general rule, Medicaid replacement cards take between 7 and 10 days to replace after the application is submitted via phone or online with the Department of Health and Human Services. Applications for replacement can take longer if the request is made through snail mail. Medicaid replacement cards can only be mailed to the address that is listed on the account.

What does a Medicaid card look like?

In the state of New York, Medicaid recipients receive a Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC) that is currently blue and gray with a yellow stripe dividing the top of the card from the bottom. This card can be used by recipients of various New York government benefit programs including the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Healthcare Exchange (HX) program, and Medicaid (MA).

What is Medicaid card fraud and what do I do if it happens?

Medicaid card fraud is something that happens somewhat frequently to almost every Medicaid recipient at some point or another. While some unfortunate individuals experience a form of identity theft, other people unknowingly encourage Medicaid fraud. One of the most commonly seen cases of Medicaid fraud occurs when a Medicaid recipient shares their Medicaid ID number or card with a friend or family member in an effort to help this other person. Unfortunately, although the Medicaid recipient is trying to do something positive by helping out someone they care about, this form of Medicaid fraud can have serious repercussions.