What Medicare Numbers Are

• When an individual signs up for Medicare, they are assigned a Medicare number as a means of identifying them within the Medicare system. While it would be possible for several people with the same name to be registered within the Medicare system, each one will have a different Medicare number so that they can easily be uniquely identified when receiving health care and having the bill sent to Medicare for processing. No two individuals within the Medicare system will have the same Medicare number.
  
  

How Medicare Numbers Are Used

• Medicare numbers are used to identify specific individuals within the Medicare system, making sure that all information and claims for that person are recorded and billed to the correct account. When a health care provider files a Medicare claim after providing health care services to an individual, the claim contains the person's Medicare number as a means of identification. The number is entered into the Medicare system's computer instead of identifying the person by name, making sure that the information on the claim is attributed to the correct account. The number can also be used by the Medicare recipient as a means of identifying themselves (along with other identifying information, such as their Social Security number) when trying to find out information about their Medicare benefits in person or over the phone.
  
  

Recieving a Medicare Number

• In order to receive a Medicare number, a person has to apply for and be accepted by the Medicare program in their state of residence. Each state's Medicare program may have slightly different application requirements, with different amounts of coverage being offered depending on the specifics of an individual's financial situation and health care needs. Once accepted, the recipient will be issued a Medicare number that is made up of a number with a letter (or a letter-number combination) following it; the numerical portion is their actual Medicare number, while the letter signifies the type of benefits that they receive.