Printing Problem Delays Delivery of A Million Medicare Cards

A "printing snafu" has prevented one million seniors from receiving their Medicare cards on time, the Columbus Dispatch reports. Beneficiaries typically receive cards stating that they are enrolled in Medicare three months before they become eligible for the program. An official for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said that the agency, which is responsible for mailing the Medicare cards, has encountered problems "throughout the year" with its printer. However, CMS said that card production has resumed, adding, "We expect to mail out the backlog of cards ... and be back on track with regular mailings within about six weeks." Those who are eligible for Medicare but do not have cards can instead use letters from the Social Security Administration stating that they are "about to be enrolled in Medicare" to receive treatment (Riskind, Columbus Dispatch, 10/30).