Laminating is a perfect way to protect the documents; it also supports and prevents wrinkles and tears. Every coin has two sides, just like laminating has its downside: lamination can limit access to the original document. That is because a laminated piece of paper is encased in plastic, making it challenging to examine and lead the question about the document authenticity.
Everyone wants to take excellent care of their Medicare card and wants to laminate it. Still, the social security administration doesn’t recommend laminating it because the plastic coating interferes with the card security features. Instead of laminating, you can buy a plastic ID cardholder at the stationery store to protect the card.
It is not illegal to laminate it, but a Medicare card is as important as a social identity card to receive services. They use thick, white paper in the printing of Medicare ID, but sometimes, frequently pulling this card in and out of the wallet can cause it to become faded and dog-eared. The card is the essential piece you own as a Medicare beneficiary.
Some of the most critical points about the lamination of Medicare cards are mentioned below; if you want to have detail, read forward.
Disadvantages of Laminating your Card
It’s effortless; you will obscure its features when you laminate the Medicare card, especially the detection one. You don’t need to feel anxious about getting damaged because it is made of hard plastic, making it very strong and tough.
Even if the Medicare card gets torn or damaged, you can easily replace it by going to the nearest social security office and getting a replacement. All you need to provide identification documents such as your driver’s license and your passport.
You should not laminate your card because the SSA or Social Security Administration states not to laminate your Medicare cards on its website or even on the back of your social security card.
One of the primary reasons is that lamination potentially causes specific features to fail to function, and you will encounter some problems with your card authentication. Such as if they question your Medicare card, you may not be able to prove that your card is genuine.
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What Can You Do Instead of Lamination?
Instead of lamination, there are many other ways to save your Medicare card while still keeping it intact for presentation. Some individuals keep their identification and Medicare card in a safe box at home.
- If you need your Medicare card daily, getting a protective case is a perfect way to carry it in your pocket or bag. Plastic protective cases are best to use as they do a fantastic job at protecting cards. You can have them everywhere you want because of their small size that can fit in a wallet and purse.
This does not mean that laminated cards are not acceptable; they are, but, in some cases, people assume the laminated card to be invalid when it is stated at the back of the card not valid if laminated.
Also, it is advisable not to carry your Medicare card everywhere you go. Take it with you when you are going to a place where you need it, such as during military enlistment, applying for a job or hospital checkups, and more.
Again, it’s preferable NOT to laminate the Medicare card to avoid the hustle of getting into the problem to prove its validity. Instead, use other ways to keep it safe, like keeping it in a protection card that you can get at stationary stations.