How to Update Your Address on Your Medicare Account

The fastest way to update your Medicare address

You can update your address on Medicare in three ways: online through your Medicare account, by phone with Medicare directly, or by mail. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you see the change reflected within a few days. If you do not have an online account set up yet, calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) takes 15 to 20 minutes and a representative can update it while you are on the phone.

Your address matters because Medicare uses it to mail your insurance cards, notices about coverage changes, and bills. If you move and do not update it, you may miss important documents or receive mail at your old home. The sooner you update after moving, the sooner your new address is in the system.

Key Takeaways

You can update your address online, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or by mail — online is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes.
To update online, you need a Medicare.gov account with a username and password; if you do not have one, you can create it during the update process.
When you call Medicare, have your Medicare card or Social Security number ready so the representative can locate your account.
Mail updates take 2 to 3 weeks to process, so use this method only if you cannot go online or call.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug coverage, the address change applies to all your Medicare benefits at once.

Updating your address online through Medicare.gov

Go to Medicare.gov and look for the "Sign In" button in the upper right corner. If you already have a Medicare.gov account, enter your username and password. If you do not have an account, select "Create an account" and follow the steps — you will need your email address, a password you create, and either your Medicare card number or Social Security number.

Once you are signed in, look for "Personal Information" or "My Health Information" in the menu. Select the option to update your address. Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Review it for accuracy — misspelled street names or wrong ZIP codes can delay mail. Click "Save" or "Submit." You will see a confirmation message on screen, and Medicare will send you an email confirming the change.

The address typically updates in Medicare's system within 2 to 3 business days. If you need to verify it went through, you can sign back into your account and check under Personal Information.

Updating by phone with Medicare customer service

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time, seven days a week. Have your Medicare card or Social Security number ready. Tell the representative you need to update your mailing address and provide your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code.

The representative will repeat your address back to you to confirm it is correct. Ask them to spell out your street name and repeat your ZIP code so there is no mistake. They will tell you when the change will take effect — usually within 1 to 2 business days. Request a confirmation number or ask them to send you a written confirmation by mail.

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning or mid-week calls often have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays. If you reach a long hold time, you can hang up and try again later.

Updating by mail

If you prefer to mail your address change, read the CMS-40B form from Medicare.gov or request it by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Fill in your name, Medicare number, old address, and new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form — this varies by region.

Mail updates take 2 to 3 weeks to process. This method is slower than online or phone, so use it only if you cannot access the internet or prefer not to call. Keep a copy of the form for your records.

What happens if you have a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a prescription drug plan (Part D), updating your address on Medicare.gov or through 1-800-MEDICARE updates your address for all your coverage at once. You do not need to contact your plan separately.

However, if your plan sends you separate mail or has its own customer service line, you may want to call them directly to confirm they have your new address. Some plans use their own mailing system in addition to Medicare's, and updating one does not always update the other when ready.

When to update your address and what to expect

Update your address as soon as you know you are moving — ideally before you move or within a few days after. This gives Medicare time to process the change before your first piece of mail arrives at your new home.

After you update, you should receive your next Medicare documents at your new address. If you receive mail at your old address after updating, it may be mail that was already in the system before your change went through. You can contact your old landlord or the post office to forward it, or call Medicare to confirm the new address is in the system.

If you move frequently or live part of the year in two different places, you can update your address each time you move. Medicare will use whichever address you have most recently entered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address if I move within the same city?

Yes. Even if you stay in the same city, Medicare needs your correct street address to mail your documents. An incomplete or wrong address can delay your mail, so update it whenever your address changes, no matter how close your new home is to your old one.

What if I do not have a Medicare card number or Social Security number handy when I call?

You can still update your address by phone. The representative can look up your account using your name and date of birth. Have your driver's license or state ID ready so you can provide that information if asked.

Can I update my address on my insurance plan's website instead of Medicare.gov?

Some Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans allow you to update your address through their own websites. However, updating through Medicare.gov or calling 1-800-MEDICARE ensures the change is made in the main Medicare system. If you update only through your plan's website, Medicare may not have your new address.

How long does it take for my new address to show up in Medicare's system?

Online updates typically appear within 2 to 3 business days. Phone updates happen within 1 to 2 business days. Mail updates take 2 to 3 weeks. If you need your address changed urgently, use the online or phone method.

What if I move and do not update my address — will my Medicare coverage end?

No, your coverage will not end. However, you may miss important mail from Medicare, including notices about coverage changes, bills, or new insurance cards. Update your address to make sure you receive all documents you need.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.