All reissued HI cards are mailed with a stuffer requesting that the beneficiary destroy or return the old HI card. Only the current HI card should remain in the beneficiary's possession. This is important because of problems caused by erroneous HI cards, particularly when health care services are provided based on incorrect information. Urge beneficiaries to use only the current card and to destroy others.

Destroy invalid HI cards presented by beneficiaries. A card is invalid and should be destroyed if it:

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  contains an error which makes it unusable (See HI 00901.245.),

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  contains an error and the beneficiary has another usable card, or,

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  has been superseded by a card issued because of a change in the beneficiary's entitlement.