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XanaDUer2

(13,829 posts)
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 04:44 PM Jul 2024

Medicare question

My Medicare card reads MARY X. XXXXX. my id is MARY FULL MIDDLE NAME LAST NAME. Ijust had surgery today and am out of it. I'm stressing out. Does it matter if my Medicare card has my middle name as initial? Isn't your unique Medicare number what matters? I'm wigging out

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hlthe2b

(106,326 posts)
2. I feel certain it would be your number that matters...
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 04:47 PM
Jul 2024

Regardless, it can be fixed later if necessary. Just concentrate on healing.

BComplex

(9,074 posts)
4. Not to worry, Mary. I think most of them have the initial instead of the full middle name. Mine does. I'm 75.
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 04:48 PM
Jul 2024

They would have told you before you had surgery if there is ANY problem with your medicare. And, yes, it's the number that matters the most.
Be at peace, my friend! No need to stress!

happybird

(5,113 posts)
5. Mine has no middle initial or name
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 04:51 PM
Jul 2024

and it's never been an issue. When ever I have to call them (and it's been a lot), they ask me to state my birthdate, SSN, and address to verify my identity. No problem!

Ocelot II

(120,813 posts)
7. The number is what matters. Don't worry about how the name appears.
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 05:00 PM
Jul 2024

My card has my first name, middle initial, last name. Some other documents like my drivers' license include my full middle name but I've never had any problems with identification with any of them.

Schlocko

(35 posts)
10. I work in medical billing
Sun Nov 17, 2024, 12:00 AM
Sunday

Your MBI number, name, and date of birth all have to match the data in the CMS database . I have seen exceedingly few claims denied for missing or mismatched middle initials. It might happen, however, if someone with your exact name has your exact birthdate. Then your middle initial might be appended to your first name e.g. Smith, Mary E instead of Smith, Mary. But most providers who are interested in getting paid be aware of these quirks in the system and make sure your data matches Medicare’s records.

ProfessorGAC

(69,851 posts)
11. Only Middle Initial On My Card
Sun Nov 17, 2024, 06:52 PM
Sunday

I'm convinced, by the expertise above, that the number is all that matters. That, plus you confirm date of birth at the provider.

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