New Medicare Numbers

Well, I just signed up a new Medicare Advantage client using the new Medicare number. It’s very different from the old number which usually used the individual’s social security system with a letter following.
Also I was amazed that another applicant walked into a nearby Social Security office to sign up for Medicare this week and they were immediately seen by the counselor and signed up with no delay. The applicant was told that they would have a Medicare card with two weeks. Now I’ll believe that when I see it. The usual time is three to four weeks, but longer is often the case.
Maybe there is hope for the system yet?