Moving can sometimes be fun, new sights and adventures and all. It is also a lot of work and there will be a considerable amount of items on your to do list to try to keep organized and get all of the little details taken care of. One of the challenging tasks is to make sure to inform all those who need to know that you are moving and what your new address and other contact information is going to be. You do of course want to add Medicare to that list. So, how exactly do you go about informing the Medicare program about your new locale? This article will tell you exactly that . . .
How Do I Change My Address with Medicare?
If you’re enrolled in Medicare, you need to let Medicare know if your address changes. In addition to receiving your red, white, and blue Medicare ID card in the mail, you’ll also receive other important information, such as your quarterly Medicare Summary Notices, and your annual “Medicare and You” handbook.
Here’s what you need to know to file a Medicare change of address if you’ve moved or your address has changed.
How do I file a Medicare change of address?
Even though Medicare is managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), it works with the Social Security Administration to maintain eligibility and enrollment information. For this reason, you will typically need to update your address information with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to notify Medicare and Social Security that your address has changed.
The easiest way to do this is online, with a My Social Security account. Your My Social Security account lets you change your address and phone number on file and even request a replacement Medicare card. You can set up the account online. If you don’t have a My Social Security account or prefer not to use one, you can visit a local office.
If you are changing your address to one outside the United States, don’t have Internet access, or just need help with your Medicare change of address, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What if I get benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board?
If you get retirement benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), you will need to file a Medicare change of address with the RRB and not with the Social Security Administration. You can get more information about how to change your address online by visiting the agency website at www.rrb.gov, or by calling the RRB at 1-877-772-5772 TY users call 1-312-751-4701Monday through Friday, 9AM to 3:30PM, for general information about Medicare coverage and Medicare change of address procedures.
When should I file a Medicare change of address?
Whenever you need health care as a Medicare beneficiary, your health-care provider, hospital, or medical supplier will ask to see your Medicare card (or your Medicare Advantage card, if you receive benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan) to verify your benefits. If your card gets lost or stolen, it’s important to have a current address on file with the Social Security Administration so you can get a replacement Medicare card as quickly as possible.
If you know your address is about to change, you can file a Medicare change of address as soon as you have an address and effective date. Even if you file a change of address form with the post office, it’s still a good idea to complete a Medicare change of address with Social Security to prevent any delays in receiving important notices and information related to your benefits.
Medicare.com
If you have any questions about this subject or would like to speak to us about any of your Medicare needs in regards to Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans, I would certainly be very happy to speak with you.
I am an independent agent specializing in the senior market. My services to you will always be FREE. I would be very happy to look at your current coverage and compare it to the marketplace to make sure that you are still getting a good value.
Billy Williams
800-499-1942
