How to Change Your Address With Medicare (and Why Bills Go to the Wrong Place)

To change your official address with Medicare, you contact Social Security. Medicare.gov says this is true even if you don't get Social Security benefits, because Medicare works with Social Security to keep your records. If you get Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, contact the RRB instead.

How do I update my address with Social Security?

Medicare.gov points to two ways:

• Online, through your my Social Security account at SSA.gov.
• By phone, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

If you get RRB benefits, Medicare's handbook says to call the RRB at 1-877-772-5772 (TTY 1-312-751-4701) or visit RRB.gov.

What to say when you call:

"I have Medicare and I've moved. I need to update my mailing address. My new address is [address], and it's effective [date]."

What about my phone number or email?

Medicare.gov says you can update other personal information, like your phone number or email address, in your secure Medicare account at Medicare.gov.

Why do Medicare bills and notices go to the wrong place?

One common reason is that the address was updated in one place but not another. Different places keep their own records:

• Social Security or RRB keeps your official Medicare address. Your Medicare Summary Notices and Part B premium bills go there.
• Your Medicare Advantage, Part D, or Medigap plan keeps its own address for its mail.
• Doctors, hospitals, and labs use the address in their records.
• Pharmacies, including mail-order pharmacies, ship to the address they have.

Medicare's handbook says that if you need to change the address on your Medicare Summary Notice or premium bill, you update it with Social Security.

Who else should I tell?

After updating Social Security, tell:

1. Your Medicare Advantage or drug plan. Call the number on your card.
2. Your Medigap insurer, if you have one.
3. Your doctors' offices and hospital, so bills reach you.
4. Your pharmacy and mail-order pharmacy. See mail-order vs. retail pharmacy.
5. Any medical equipment supplier.
6. Your state Medicaid office, if you have Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program.

What to say to a provider's billing office:

"I've moved. Please update the address on my account to [new address]. Can you tell me if any bills were sent to my old address, and resend them?"

Does moving affect my Medicare plan?

It can. Original Medicare works anywhere in the U.S. But Medicare Advantage and Part D plans have service areas.

Medicare.gov says that if you move to a new address that isn't in your plan's service area, you can switch to a new plan or go back to Original Medicare. Your chance to switch begins when you move and lasts for 2 full months after you move. If you tell your plan before you move, your chance can begin the month before you move.

Medicare.gov also says plans can, and in some cases must, disenroll people who move outside the service area. If you don't pick a new plan, you'll be enrolled in Original Medicare. See Special Enrollment Periods when your plan or doctor changes.

What if I missed bills because of an old address?

• Call each provider and ask for copies of any bills sent to the old address.
• Ask them to hold the account from collections while you review.
• Check your Medicare Summary Notices online in your Medicare account, or ask for copies. See how to read your Medicare Summary Notice.
• If a bill went to collections because it never reached you, see what to do when a medical bill goes to collections.

What to say:

"I didn't get your earlier bills because they went to my old address. I've updated my address now. Can you send me an itemized bill and hold the account while I check it against my Medicare notice?"

What about Part B premium bills?

If you get a bill for your Part B premium, because it isn't taken out of Social Security payments, the bill goes to your official address. A missed premium bill can cause problems with your coverage, so update your address quickly and check that the next bill reaches you. See Part B premium deductions from Social Security.

How do I change a parent's address?

If you're helping a parent move, for example into assisted living or closer to you, you may be able to help them update it online together or on the phone. Social Security may need to speak with your parent or a person authorized to act for them.

Also ask Medicare whether your parent has a form on file letting Medicare talk with you. See how to get permission to talk to Medicare for a parent and managing a parent's medical bills.

Who can help?

• Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for your official address.
• 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for Medicare account questions.
• Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free help with plan changes after a move. Find yours at shiphelp.org.

Frequently asked questions

How do I change my address with Medicare?

Contact Social Security, online or by phone. If you get RRB benefits, contact the RRB.

Do I have to contact Social Security if I don't get Social Security benefits?

Yes. Medicare.gov says you still contact Social Security to update your address with Medicare.

Do I need to tell my Medicare plan too?

Yes. Plans keep their own records, so call your Medicare Advantage, Part D, or Medigap plan.

Can I change plans if I move?

If you move out of your plan's service area, Medicare.gov says you can switch plans during a Special Enrollment Period that lasts 2 full months after you move.

Catch up on bills after a move

Bill Review Coach is a monthly medical bill review service for seniors and their families. Upload your first bill free, no card needed. Snap a photo of the bill and your Medicare notice, and you'll get back a plain-English summary of what looks off and what to say. Refer a friend and you both get a free month once they join the paid plan. You make the calls and write the emails; we help you know what to say.