How to change address for medicare and social security

Get answers to your questions about Medicare, including how to apply, get a replacement card, and what is Part D for prescription drugs. Also, learn about Medicare coverage when you live abroad.

On This Page

  • Medicare Eligibility, Applications, and Appeals
  • Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B
  • Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
  • Replace Your Medicare Card
  • Medicare Coverage Outside the United States

Medicare Eligibility, Applications, and Appeals

Find information about Medicare, how to apply, report fraud, and submit complaints.

What help is available?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people:

  • Age 65 or older

  • Under 65 with certain disabilities

  • Any age with end-stage renal disease. This is permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Medicare has four parts:

  • Part A is hospital insurance.

  • Part B is medical insurance.

  • Part C Medicare Advantage Plans are a private insurance option for covering hospital and medical costs.

  • Part D covers prescription medications.

Medicare is managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The Social Security Administration works with CMS by enrolling people in Medicare.

Am I eligible?

  • To find out when you are eligible, you need to answer a few questions and learn how to calculate your premium.

  • If you are eligible, learn about the enrollment period.

How do I apply?

There are several ways to enroll in Medicare:

  • Before you apply, learn about your coverage options. Decide if you want Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Or, find out how to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).

  • Determine if you want coverage for prescription drugs.

  • Next, use the Medicare Plan Finder Tool and search to find more accurate cost estimates and coverage information.

  • Apply online for Medicare only if you’re not ready to also begin receiving your Social Security benefits.

  • Apply in person for Medicare at your local Social Security office.

How do I check the status of my application?

  • Use this tool from Medicare to check your enrollment status.

How do I complain or appeal a Medicare decision?

  • Learn the different ways to file a complaint about Medicare.

  • You can submit feedback about your Medicare health plan or prescription drug plan. Submit it to Medicare using the online complaint form.

  • Get information on how to file an appeal for a coverage or payment decision. 

How do I report fraud?

  • Learn where and how to report suspected Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse.

Who do I contact for extra help?

For questions about billing or other information, contact Medicare by phone or mail.

Is there anything else I need to know?

  • Review this chart showing Medicare costs for 2022.

  • If you do not enroll in Medicare Part B when you're first eligible and decide to enroll later, you'll pay a penalty for as long as you're enrolled in Part B.

  • You do not need to sign up for Medicare each year. But each year, you will have a chance to review your coverage and change plans.

  • Learn more about your plan and benefits by creating a myMedicare.gov account. 

Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B

  • You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). It is a serious decision. You must submit Form CMS-1763 to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Visit or call the SSA  (1-800-772-1213) to get this form.
  • You’ll need to have a personal interview with Social Security before you can terminate your Medicare Part B coverage. To schedule your interview, call the SSA or your local Social Security office.

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)

Part D of Medicare is an insurance coverage plan for prescription medication. Learn about the costs for Medicare drug coverage.

Eligibility

Prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) is available to anyone with Medicare.  

How to Apply

There are two ways to get Medicare drug coverage:

  • Add a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) to your Medicare-approved insurance policy.
  • Get a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) such as an HMO or PPO that offers Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Learn more about Medicare Part D.

When You Can Apply or Change Your Plan

  • You can join or change your drug plan only at certain times of the year or under special circumstances.
  • You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty, which is an amount added to your Medicare Part D premium if you decide not to join when you are first eligible. 

Get Help With Medicare Part D

If you need help with Medicare Part D including finding a plan, applying, paying for coverage, or if you have a complaint, visit Medicare’s resources section. If you need more assistance paying for your prescriptions under Medicare Part D, you may qualify for the Extra Help program.

Contact Medicare

For help with specific issues, contact Medicare.

Replace Your Medicare Card

You can replace your Medicare card in one of the following ways  if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed:

  • Log into your MyMedicare.gov account and request one.
  • Request a replacement Medicare card online.
  • Call or visit your local Social Security Administration office.

Medicare Coverage Outside the United States

Medicare coverage outside the United States is limited. Learn about coverage if you live or are traveling outside the United States.

Original Medicare

If you have Original Medicare and have a Medigap policy, it may provide coverage for foreign travel emergency health care. Learn more about Original Medicare outside the United States.

Last Updated: October 26, 2022

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Can I update my Social Security address online?

If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by signing into your my Social Security account. Go to the My Profile Tab and slect the contact link.

Do you need to update Social Security address?

The Social Security Administration requires that you notify the office of the new address as soon as you know it. Even if you receive your benefits through direct deposit, the agency will want to have your correct address so it can send you information as needed.