LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - Medicare is sending medicare beneficiaries a new card in the mail starting this month. If you one of the over 750,000 Louisianans covered by Medicare, here are ten things you should know about your new card.

1. Your Medicare card may arrive at a different time than everyone else's. That is normal.

2.The SWLA Center for Health Services says not to throw away your old Medicare card when your new Medicare card arrives. It takes time for all the information to be put into the system.

3. Only give your Medicare number to your doctor, pharmacist, other health care providers, your insurers, or people who work with Medicare. Otherwise, you are asked to not give out your card number.

4. The new Medicare card will be paper. Paper cards are easier for providers to use and copy, and it saves taxpayers money. You can also print your own replacement card if needed.

5. Doctors and other health care facilities and providers know you are going to get a new Medicare card. They will ask you for your new card when you need care.