Medicare Change of Address: Simple Steps to Update Your Medicare Address

There are a lot of things that can change in your life when you retire. One common change is where you live. While many people choose to stay in their homes and age in place, many others choose to downsize or move into a retirement community. If you do move, changing your address for Medicare is important to maintain proper coverage. It may seem like a minor detail, but forgetting to update your current address could cost you time and money. 

Key takeaways:

• It’s important to update your address for Medicare.

• Moving may allow or require a change in your Medicare coverage. 

• You can change your address for Medicare by updating your information online through your Social Security account, calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778), or contacting your local Social Security office. 

Why it’s important to update your Medicare address

Moving is stressful. We recommend using a moving checklist to make sure you don’t miss an important step during the hustle and bustle of it all! One of the important tasks that some people miss is changing your address for Medicare, which is important for a number of reasons. 

Medicare plan access

The specific set of Medicare plans available to you depends on where you live. If you move within the same county, you’ll have access to the same plans. If you move to another county, however, you may be able to choose new Medicare coverage.

You’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if you do one of the following:

• Move to a new address that isn’t in your plan’s service area

• Move to a new address that has additional plan options

Timely communication

Changing your address for Medicare ensures that you receive all the essential communication promptly. Especially in light of a move with new doctors and healthcare facilities, you'll want to easily view updates, notifications, new Medicare cards, and billing information. 

Healthcare access

Whether it’s an emergency or routine check-up, having your correct address on file ensures that you can access healthcare services seamlessly. What’s more, changing your address for Medicare helps healthcare providers locate you should they need to get in touch.

Preventing identity theft

An outdated address can be dangerous for identity fraud. Updating your address is a good way to protect your personal information and prevent unauthorized access to your healthcare records.

How to change your Medicare address

The process of changing your Medicare address is pretty straightforward. You’ll have to get in touch with Social Security in one of three ways:

• Update your information online via your Social Security account.

• Call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

• Get in touch with your local Social Security office.  

If you need to update other personal information like your phone number or email address, you can do so through your Medicare account.

Social Security and Medicare change of address

You may wonder why you need to contact Social Security for Medicare information. Medicare works directly with the Social Security Administration to maintain records. Even if you don’t receive Social Security benefits, you’ll still have to contact the SSA to update your address for Medicare purposes.

If you have more questions about updating Medicare information or other Medicare-related inquiries, our licensed Advisors are here to help! Schedule a chat today or call us at 855-900-2427.