You can change your Medicare address online, by phone, or by mail — the fastest way is online through your Medicare account

Medicare needs your current mailing address so you receive your statements, notices about coverage changes, and information about your benefits. If you move, you should update your address as soon as possible. The process takes just a few minutes, and you have three main routes: your online Medicare account, a phone call to Medicare, or a paper form in the mail.

Your address change takes effect right away when you update it online or by phone. If you mail a form, allow 10 business days for processing. Either way, Medicare will use your new address for all future correspondence.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to change your address is to log into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov and update it yourself — this takes about two minutes.
  • You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and give your new address to a representative, and the change happens when ready.
  • If you do not have internet access or a Medicare account, you can print and mail Form CMS-40B to your local Social Security office.
  • Your address change applies to all your Medicare coverage — Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D prescription drug plans.
  • Update your address before you move if possible, but you can also update it after you arrive at your new home.

Updating your address online through Medicare.gov

Log into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov using your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one with your email address and Social Security number. Once you are logged in, look for "Personal Information" or "My Health Information" in the menu — the exact wording varies depending on your device and which version of the site you are using.

Click on your address field and enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Make sure you type your address exactly as the post office recognizes it — this helps Medicare mail reach you without delay. After you save the change, you will see a confirmation message on the screen. Your new address is active when ready.

If you have trouble logging in or finding the address field, you can call Medicare's customer service line at 1-800-MEDICARE for step-by-step help. Representatives can walk you through the process over the phone at no cost.

Calling Medicare to change your address by phone

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and tell the representative you need to update your mailing address. Have your Medicare card or Social Security number ready. The representative will ask you to confirm your name, date of birth, and current address, then will ask for your new address.

Medicare is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The address change takes effect when ready, and you will receive a confirmation letter at your new address within 10 business days.

Mailing a form to update your address

If you prefer to update your address by mail, read or request Form CMS-40B from the Social Security Administration. You can print it from SSA.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request a copy by mail.

Fill in your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and your new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to your local Social Security office. You can find the address of your nearest office on SSA.gov or by calling the number above. Allow 10 business days for the change to process after Social Security receives your form.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. You do not need to include any documents with the form — just your signature and the completed information.

What happens if you move before updating your address

If you move and do not update your address right away, Medicare mail will go to your old address. The post office may forward it to your new address for up to 12 months if you filed a mail forwarding order, but it is better not to rely on that. Update your address as soon as you know your new one, even if you are still in the process of moving.

If you miss an important notice because it went to your old address, you can still take action. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about any notices you may have missed. They can resend documents to your new address or read the information to you over the phone.

Address changes for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans

When you update your address with Medicare, the change applies to your Original Medicare coverage. However, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D prescription drug plan, you should also contact your plan directly to make sure they have your new address on file.

Most plans use the same address that Medicare has, but some maintain their own records. Call the customer service number on the back of your plan card and give them your new address. This ensures you receive plan-specific mail, such as your member ID card, formulary updates, and coverage notices.

Updating your address if you move out of state

If you move to a different state, your Medicare coverage stays the same, but your address change may affect your plan options. Update your address with Medicare first using one of the methods above. Then contact your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan to let them know you are moving, because some plans do not cover all areas of every state.

Your plan will tell you whether your coverage continues in your new state. If your current plan does not serve your new address, you will have a chance to switch to a different plan. Medicare will send you information about your options and any important date for making a change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my address change to show up on my Medicare card?

Your address change takes effect when ready in Medicare's system, but your physical Medicare card will not change. Medicare cards do not include your address, so you do not need a new card. Your address is updated in their records for mailing purposes only.

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

Yes. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE and speak to a representative, or you can mail Form CMS-40B to your local Social Security office. Both methods work without an online account.

What if I am moving temporarily, like for the winter?

If you move seasonally, you can update your address each time you move. Some people update their address when they leave and again when they return. Medicare will use whichever address you have on file for all mail, so choose the one where you want to receive important notices.

Do I need to update my address with Social Security too?

If you receive Social Security benefits, you should update your address with Social Security as well. You can do this at SSA.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. Updating your address with Medicare does not automatically update it with Social Security.

What if my address change does not go through?

If you updated your address online or by phone and did not see a confirmation, call 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm the change was saved. If you mailed a form and do not receive a confirmation letter within 15 business days, call to check the status. Have your form and mailing date ready when you call.