Changing Your Address with Medicare

We get it—life happens. There may come a time when you want to move closer to family or move back to your hometown. But you may have a few questions regarding your coverage.

• What happens to your Medicare if you move in-state?
• Are Medicare plans different in each state if you move out of state?
• How to complete a Medicare address change

What Happens to Your Medicare When You Move?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

You’ll learn what you need to do for a Medicare change of address, as well as what options are available to you.

Original Medicare is the Same Everywhere

If you have Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B), your health coverage will not change when you move. Medicare is a federal program, so you’ll get the same coverage wherever you go. Now, keep in mind that your primary care physician and local hospital might change. So, if you have Medicare and are moving to another state or a new area, you will need to find a doctor that accepts Original Medicare coverage.

Medicare Advantage Plans

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and move out of state, there’s a chance your coverage could change. Private companies administer Medicare Advantage plans, and they may only cover specific counties or zip codes. Even if your Medicare Advantage plan exists in your new area, the costs and benefits may change. Luckily, when you change addresses, you trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). During this enrollment period, you can see your available Medicare options in your new area.

Medicare Supplement or Medigap

Medicare Supplement plans stay the same, even if you move states, but the cost might change. You do have a few options concerning your Medicare Supplement plan if you move. You can:

• Stick with what you have, potentially with cost changes
• Find a new Medicare Supplement plan
• Or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan available in your new area.

If you’re looking to find a new Medicare Supplement plan or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, we can help you out. We also have an easy-to-use plan comparison tool that you can use.

How Do You Update Your Address with Medicare?

It’s important to update your address with Medicare for a few reasons.

• If you lose your Medicare card, you will receive a new one in the mail
• You get important information, like Quarterly Medicare Summary Notices
• You receive your Medicare handbook, which includes essential Medicare information
• To ensure your Medicare billing address is correct for statements and coverage updates

How do you update your address if you move? Let’s break it down. The quickest way to do it is to complete your Medicare change of address online.

• Log into the Social Security website
• If you don’t already have an account, you can create one using your Social Security number
• Go to ‘My Profile’
• Click on the option to change your address

You may also complete a Medicare change of address over the phone.

• Call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time.
• A Social Security representative will walk you through an address change

Finally, you have the option to change your address in person.

• Find your local Social Security office

• Call ahead to make sure someone can assist you
• Speak with a Social Security representative in-person

What to Do If You Move to a Facility

Moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility? That won’t be a problem with updating your Medicare address. Check with your facility to see if they can manage your mail. Or, if you prefer, you can set up a PO Box or have your mail sent to a trusted family member or friend.

Have You Moved Recently?

Let us know how we can help you by calling 888-725-1780 (TTY 711). If you’ve moved to a new location, we’d love to support you in your search for a Medicare plan.