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How Do I Report a Change of Name or Address to Medicare?

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Keeping your address up to date with Medicare is a vital part of ensuring that you are kept in the loop when it comes to Medicare claims and changes. See how to change your information with Medicare and why it’s in your best interest to do so quickly.

How Do You Change or Update Your Address With Medicare?

To change or update your address with Medicare, you need to get in touch in person, over the phone, or online. Make sure you’re selecting the best way to change your address with Medicare for your situation.

What is the quickest way to update your address with Medicare?

The quickest and easiest way to update your address is to use the “My Profile” tab on my Social Security website. Online updates can be completed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Changing your address online also means you’re not required to call the local Social Security office or speak with a representative to accomplish an address update.

What are the other ways to update your address with Medicare?

There are two other ways to change your address with Medicare.

  1. By phone. You can contact Medicare directly by phone.
  2. Keep in mind that Medicare’s call center tends to stay very busy. Calling may require you to hold for long periods of time. You can call Medicare at (800) MEDICARE (800-633-4227). The customer service line can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  1. Go into the local Social Security office.
  2. Your local field office can help you update your address as well. To find your local Social Security office and times online, you can use the local Field Office Locator.  You also have the option to call your local office. That can be difficult to do, but you can have more success using this guide.

Why Do You Need to Report Your Address Change to Medicare?

Address changes are vital for you to get information about claims or changes in Medicare. Medicare only contacts you by mail. Without an address change, you may not be able to receive vital information, such as:

  • A new or replacement Medicare card
  • Annual “Medicare and You” handbook

However, the most important information of all is your quarterly Medicare Summary Notices. These notices inform you of all the charges that were approved and denied concerning your Medicare account and why. If you suspect Medicare fraud, it’s important that you report your suspicions to Medicare.

What Should You Do If Your Information Is Incorrect on Your Medicare Card?

If your information, such as your name, is incorrect on your Medicare card, you will want to reach out directly to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Your Medicare card uses the SSA’s record to print your name onto your card.

It’s important to have your information corrected because Medicare can refuse claims that do not match the information on their records. You can make changes to your account information the same way that you would report a change in your address.

The SSA uses the IRS addresses for your card. If this information is incorrect, you will also need to complete a “change of address” form with the IRS. You can download this form online or contact the IRS via its toll-free number at (800) 829-3676.

How Should You Update Your Medicare Address If You Are Moving to an Assisted Living Facility or Nursing Home?

The first thing you should do is contact the assisted living facility. These facilities can advise you if they’re able to handle the mail that you would receive. If the facility cannot, it is a good idea to change your address to a trusted friend or family member’s home so they can pass your Medicare communications to you.

It’s important that you use someone you trust because you should protect your Medicare card and number like a credit card. If you suspect fraud or have a question about the charges, contact Medicare fraud and abuse at (800) 633-4227.

How Should You Update Your Medicare Address If You Receive Benefits From the Railroad Retirement Board?

To change your address with the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), you have to make address changes directly with the board. You can do this by looking up your local RRB office or calling directly at (877) 772-5772 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each weekday.

You cannot change your address with Medicare directly when it comes to the RRB. You will need to use their process to get your information corrected.

Travis Price
Travis Price
Medicare consultant

Travis Price is a licensed independent health insurance agent specializing in Medicare private insurance programs, including Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans. Price has been in the Medicare industry since 2004, first in South Carolina and now in the Traverse City, Michigan, area.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and accounting from Baker College. Price has worked with hundreds of Medicare-eligible beneficiaries to ensure they get the best plan to fit their medical needs without forcing them to pay for coverage that is unnecessary, saving them hundreds of dollars per year in health insurance costs.

Price supports his clients as an advocate, informing Medicare beneficiaries of their options and answering questions. He’s an active Medicare and insurance contributor on LinkedIn, Quora, and YouTube.

Travis Price
Travis Price
Medicare consultant

Travis Price is a licensed independent health insurance agent specializing in Medicare private insurance programs, including Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans. Price has been in the Medicare industry since 2004, first in South Carolina and now in the Traverse City, Michigan, area.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and accounting from Baker College. Price has worked with hundreds of Medicare-eligible beneficiaries to ensure they get the best plan to fit their medical needs without forcing them to pay for coverage that is unnecessary, saving them hundreds of dollars per year in health insurance costs.

Price supports his clients as an advocate, informing Medicare beneficiaries of their options and answering questions. He’s an active Medicare and insurance contributor on LinkedIn, Quora, and YouTube.

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