New Medicare cards — with new Medicare numbers — should arrive sometime this year for all Medicare recipients. Medicare will mail the new cards starting in April 2018 but here a just a few thing you should know.

Mailing takes time: your card may arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s, but don’t expect cards to arrive in Kansas prior to June.

Once your new card arrives, destroy your old card and start using your new card right away.

Guard your card: Only give your new Medicare number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.

Your card has a new number instead of your Social Security Number. This new number is unique to you.

The cards will be paper: partially because it’s cheaper, but the good news is you can print your own replacement card if you need one.

Keep your new card with you. However, it you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.

If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, like an HMO or PPO, keep that card. It’s your main card for Medicare. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card too.

Want to find out more about your new Medicare card, you can go online to go.medicare.gov/newcard

Help is available: If you don’t get your new Medicare card by April 2019, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. You have the right to get Medicare information in an accessible format, like large print, Braille, or audio. You also have the right to file a complaint if you feel you’ve been discriminated against. Visit CMS.gov/about-cms/agency-information/aboutwebsite/

cmsnondiscriminationnotice.html, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for more information.