How to change your Medicare address

You can change your Medicare address through Medicare.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office. The fastest way is online at Medicare.gov if you have a login — the change takes effect within a few days. If you do not have an online account, calling Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) takes about 15 minutes and works just as well. Mail and in-person visits work too, but take longer.

Medicare needs your new address so it can send you your insurance card, bills, notices about coverage changes, and information about your benefits. If Medicare still has your old address, you may miss important letters about important date or changes to your plan. Updating your address is free and does not affect your coverage.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your address online at Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, by mail to Social Security, or at a local Social Security office.
  • Online changes through Medicare.gov take a few days; phone calls are processed the same day during business hours.
  • You will need your Medicare number (on your red, white, and blue Medicare card) and your new address ready before you start.
  • If you move to a different state, your Medicare coverage stays the same, but you should update your address right away so you receive your mail.

Updating your address online at Medicare.gov

Go to Medicare.gov and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have a login yet, you can create one using your email address and Medicare number. Once you are signed in, look for "Personal Information" or "Profile Settings" — the exact wording changes, but it is usually in a menu at the top right of the page.

Click on your address, delete the old one, and type in your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check that everything is spelled correctly, especially your ZIP code. Click "Save" or "Update." Medicare will send you a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your new address will be active in Medicare's system within a few days, and you should receive mail at your new address within one to two weeks after that.

Changing your address by phone

Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Medicare number ready — it is on your Medicare card. You can also give them your Social Security number if that is easier.

Tell the representative you want to update your address. They will ask for your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. They may also ask you to confirm your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The change is processed the same day, and you should see it reflected in your Medicare account within 24 hours. A new Medicare card with your updated address will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks.

Updating your address by mail or in person

You can also update your address through Social Security, which shares information with Medicare. read and print Form SSA-7084 (Statement Regarding Your Residence) from the Social Security website, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request it by mail. Fill in your new address, sign and date the form, and mail it to your local Social Security office. You can find the address of your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

If you prefer to do this in person, bring your Medicare card, a photo ID, and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days) to your local Social Security office. A representative will update your address on the spot. Changes made in person or by mail usually take one to two weeks to appear in Medicare's system.

What happens if you move to a different state

Your Medicare coverage does not change when you move to a different state. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) works the same way everywhere in the United States. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a prescription drug plan, check with your plan to make sure your new address is in your plan's service area — most plans cover the entire state, but some do not. You can call your plan's customer service number (on the back of your insurance card) to confirm.

Update your address with Medicare as soon as you know your new address, even if you are still in the process of moving. This makes sure Medicare has the correct location for mailing your card and any important notices. If you move to a state with different Medicaid rules and you receive both Medicare and Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid office to update your address there as well.

Updating your address if you live in a nursing home or assisted living facility

If you move to a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other residential care setting, use the same methods to update your address — online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Give Medicare your facility's full mailing address, including the room or unit number if you have one. This makes sure your mail reaches you at the right place.

If the facility has a social worker or administrative staff member who helps residents with paperwork, they may be able to help you update your address. You can also ask them to call Medicare on your behalf if you prefer. Make sure Medicare has your correct address so you receive your Medicare card and any notices about your coverage.

What to do if you do not receive mail at your new address

If you updated your address but still have not received mail at your new address after two to three weeks, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm that the change went through. Have your Medicare number ready. A representative can tell you what address Medicare has on file and resend your Medicare card or any other documents you are missing.

If you moved and your mail is being forwarded by the post office, Medicare mail may still reach you at your old address for a while. Once your mail forwarding expires (usually after 12 months), any Medicare mail sent to your old address will not reach you. Update your address with Medicare before your forwarding period ends to make sure you do not miss anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Medicare address online if I do not have a Medicare.gov account?

No, you need to create an account first or use another method. Creating an account takes about five minutes and requires your email address and Medicare number. Once your account is set up, you can update your address online anytime. If you do not want to create an account, calling 1-800-MEDICARE is the next fastest option.

Does changing my address affect my Medicare coverage or my plan?

No, updating your address does not change your coverage or your plan. Your benefits stay exactly the same. The only reason to update is so Medicare can send you mail at the right place. If you move to a different state and have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your plan to confirm your new address is in their service area.

How long does it take for Medicare to process an address change?

Online changes take a few days. Phone calls are processed the same day during business hours. Mail and in-person visits take one to two weeks. Once your address is updated in Medicare's system, you should receive mail at your new address within one to two weeks after that.

What if I am moving temporarily and will move again soon?

Update your address each time you move. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address with Medicare. If you know you will be moving again in a few months, you can update it now and then update it again when you move to your permanent address.

Do I need to update my address with my Medicare Advantage plan separately?

When you update your address with Medicare, it is usually sent to your plan automatically within a few days. However, you can also call your plan directly (the number is on the back of your insurance card) to make sure they have your new address. This takes just a few minutes and guarantees your plan has the correct information.