Empowering people
to thrive as they age

March 20, 2026

Identity Verification Requirements Now In Place for New Medicare.gov Accounts  

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced changes to the log in process for newly-created online accounts on the Medicare.gov website. Medicare beneficiaries who create new online Medicare accounts are now required to verify their identity using one of three new enhanced verification services. At this time, login procedures for existing accounts (username and password) will not change, and Medicare customers are not required to have online accounts.  

Background

The new log in services are designed to strengthen security, confirm the beneficiary’s identity, and help prevent fraudulent logins. Creating an online account on www.Medicare.gov is optional and not required to access Medicare benefits or to enroll in a Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare beneficiaries with existing accounts can use their current usernames and passwords to log in to their Medicare.gov account for the time being. 

New Medicare accounts can be created using one of three identity verification services that include ID.me, CLEAR and Login.gov. These log in services are already in use by other federal websites such as the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and Veterans Affairs. Beneficiaries can choose which log in service they prefer to use. Since verification procedures vary by service, it is important that beneficiaries review each option before starting the process and select one that meets their needs. Additional information about each service is available at https://www.medicare.gov/account/login/help. 

Beneficiaries can verify their identity online using a cellphone, tablet, or computer with a camera, since the process requires them to upload photos of a government issued ID, such as a U.S. Passport, or state issued ID or driver’s license. In some cases, and depending on the login service selected,  beneficiaries may be required to upload a selfie to confirm they are the owner of the ID photo provided.  If a beneficiary is unable to verify their identity online, they can complete the process in-person at a designated location. Once their identity has been verified, it won’t need to be confirmed each time they login to their Medicare account. 

Where to go for help 

Beneficiaries who have questions or need help with one of the log in services can contact the login service directly. Each login service offers support to  beneficiaries who need help with the verification process, and 1-800-Medicare can help those who need immediate assistance or lose access to their account. CMS has created a fact sheet explaining the changes and additional information is available on the Medicare website:  https://www.medicare.gov/account/login. 

If you have questions or need help counseling older adults and adults with disabilities on Medicare, Medicaid, or other health benefits programs, reach out to Avisery's "Ask the Expert" service for professionals at

avisery@ageoptions.org or 708-628-3440

About Avisery

Avisery by AgeOptions provides tools and support to professionals serving older adults and people with disabilities, enabling them to help their clients access healthcare coverage that allows them to thrive as they age. 

Contact us at avisery@ageoptions.org or visit our website for more information.

Explore More Resources: