They’re changing Medicare again. I know it feels like we have this conversation every week as new changes are coming out. Today’s update is all about how you log in and access your Medicare account.
We’re going to be talking about the new fact sheet that was released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and what that means for you, and what you need to do to continue using that system.
This is a transcript of our video. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel: Low Income Relief.
The Big Picture
Without any further ado, let’s look at the big picture. We know that there has been a huge update in the way that government websites function basically since the new administration took over. We have seen expanded access to My Social Security and other databases, and we’ve seen the continued rollout of more secure logins to try to help keep your data safer.
They’ve announced that Medicare.gov has now been updated with more ways that you can log in securely to help make sure that only you can access your Medicare information.
Of course, the reason they’re doing this is because there are so many scammers out there trying to take advantage of these systems. They want to make sure they can verify that it’s really you. They want to block fraud and theft, and they want to make sure that all of their systems are meeting strict U.S. government security rules.
New Login Options For Medicare.gov
What’s being enacted is that there are now three new login options, and they are all free to use.
You may recognize some of these because they’re already in use by agencies like Social Security, the IRS, the VA, and all those other alphabet government agencies that we rely on.
ID.me, CLEAR, and Login.gov logins will now be usable on Medicare.gov as well.
What If You Don’t Have A Smartphone?
One of the big concerns every time we talk about these systems is: what if you don’t have a smartphone? What if you don’t know how to use your smartphone? What if you’re not confident in that system?
The answer is that you absolutely can still use Medicare.gov even if you don’t have a smartphone.
First of all, you do not need to log in to see general Medicare information. Their website is still generally available. You only need to log in if you are looking for your specific information—the information that isn’t public and is only visible to you.
If you don’t have a smartphone and don’t want to deal with that, you can still verify in person. You can still get help by phone. And if you need to use a public computer, often there will be someone at the library or your local community center who may be able to assist you, even if you do have to sign up for services like ID.me or Login.gov.
Documents You May Need
To set up those systems, you do need several different forms of documentation.
You may need a state-issued photo ID or a passport. ID.me sometimes accepts other documents as well. Each service does this a little bit differently, and they will list the documents they accept on their website.
If you need to call in for help, you typically have people available who can assist you. Usually, you only need to set up your identity verification once. After that, when you log in, you just retrieve the codes from your phone or your email.
Using ID.me
If you’re going to use ID.me, that’s generally the one I prefer. This is a private company that is used by the VA, IRS, and other agencies.
You just go to ID.me, enter your email address, and set up your account. You will need to upload your photo ID or verify in person at a participating location. You can also use a video call with a live agent to move forward with that.
Once you’ve got that set up, you can use ID.me to log in to Medicare.gov as well.
Using Login.gov
Login.gov is very similar, but it is run directly by the U.S. federal government.
If you feel more comfortable using a government-operated service rather than a private company, this may be a better choice for you.
The process is very similar. You visit Login.gov, sign up with your email address, and verify your identity online, by phone, or in person at a post office or other participating location.
Once you’re set up, you can use Login.gov to log in to Medicare and other platforms as well.
And just to reaffirm, as long as you’re at Login.gov, that is a government service. It is not a scam.
Facial Recognition And Privacy Concerns
I know that as part of this process, the facial recognition stuff can feel kind of icky. I’ve had to do it too for the services that I use, and I don’t love it. It’s not my favorite thing.
When I did mine, I had to hold my phone and tilt my head all different ways, and it just doesn’t feel good.
But when you read the privacy policies and the information on these services, this is intended to be a one-time identity check—kind of like showing your ID at a counter. It’s supposed to confirm that you are who you say you are.
It is not supposed to be used for surveillance, tracking, or monitoring you in any other way beyond setting up your account so they can make sure the right person is getting the right information.
Your permission is required for facial recognition. If you choose Login.gov and verify your identity in person instead, you can skip that whole facial recognition step. In-person verification is always an option.
They also say that your information is protected by strict standards, including encryption, multifactor authentication, and constant monitoring.
They also say that your data cannot be sold.
It’s important to remember that when you’re setting up identity verification with these third-party services, they are not accessing your medical information. Your Medicare information stays with Medicare and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It is not shared with those login services.
Those login services simply verify that you are who you say you are.
Watch Out For Medicare Scams
Just to make sure you’re aware, the real Medicare.gov website will have Medicare.gov in the web address.
They are never going to call you for your login information. They’re never going to ask you for payment to set up your account. And you can reach them directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.
There are a lot of scams out there trying to fool you, so please remember:
- If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and asks for your password, that is a scam.
- Any website that asks you to pay a fee to log in is a scam.
- If you receive an email with a suspicious link asking for your personal information, do not click it.
These services should always be free and easy to use.
Again, you can always reach Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE if you have questions about your account.
And if you’re currently receiving Medicare and want some one-on-one guidance to answer questions or anything like that, our sponsor Chapter is fabulous. You can reach them at the number you see down here or over there. They offer free one-on-one support for you as well, so you can check that out.
I hope this has been helpful to you, and we will be back soon with more ways that you can save money and get free stuff. I’ll see you there.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the content on this website are solely those of the content creators and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. All content is intended for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as official positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter disclaims any liability for actions taken based on this content.
If you need assistance with Medicare, please reach out to Medicare, your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), your current Medicare insurance agent/broker/plan, or contact our Medicare partner, Chapter, at 417-319-2139 or visit their website at https://lirlinks.com/chapter. Chapter: Memoir, Inc. d/b/a Chapter is a privately owned, data- and technology-enabled advisory service helping older Americans navigate retirement. Insurance agency services are provided by Chapter Advisory, LLC, a licensed health insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Memoir, Inc. In California, Chapter Advisory, LLC does business as Chapter Insurance Services (Lic. No. 6003691).Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations as well as stand-alone prescription drug plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment depends on the renewal of those contracts. While Chapter maintains a comprehensive database of Medicare plans nationwide and assists in searching all options, Chapter has contracts with many, but not all, plans. Therefore, Chapter does not offer every plan available in your area. Chapter recommends plans even if they are not directly offered through Chapter. For complete Medicare plan options, please visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-Medicare, or contact your local SHIP office.
