Medicaid benefits are available to certain families and individuals with limited incomes and resources. If you recently moved to a new residence, or the address on your Medicaid card is wrong, then you'll need to update your information. Your local Medicaid office makes this really easy. You can change your address online, over the telephone or in person. You must report a change in your situation, including an address change, within 10 days of moving your residence.
Change the Address Online
While Medicaid is a federal program, it is administered at the state level, so you will need to report the address change to your local field office. Changing your address online is the fastest way to get assistance. Navigate to your state’s Medicaid website and click the My Profile or My Account tab. (The tab may have a different name depending where you live). Here you can view and update your address. In some states, you can also decide when your change of address will take effect, which is useful if you’re moving your residence in the future.
If you don’t have a Medicaid account, find the tab that allows you to register for one. Follow the instructions on the screen to set up your account – you’ll need an email address and will be asked to enter your Social Security number or Medicaid case number. Some states will ask some basic security questions before prompting you to create a username and password.
Change Address by Phone or In Person
Call your local Medicaid field office and report your change of address to a live representative. You can find the phone number on your Medicaid card. Alternatively, the Medicaid website has a contacts database where you can search for the phone number or use the Office Locator on the SSA’s website. If you live near your local Medicaid office, you could stop by in person to report the address change. Be sure to bring a photo ID so the caseworker can verify your identity. You may also be asked to fill out a short change of address form.
Read More: How to Change an Address on a License
Will I Get a New Card?
Whether you’re issued a new card depends on the state. Some offices will send you a new card every time you report a name change or a new address; others will only replace your card if the old one is damaged, lost or stolen. If you’re unsure, call the field office and ask.
Once you have reported your new address, it can take seven to 14 days for the change to be filtered through the system and show up on all statements. You won’t be asked to surrender your old card, so you can still use it whenever you go to the doctor, dentist or drug store to prove that you qualify for coverage.
Do You Have to Change Your Address?
The short answer is yes. It’s a requirement that you report address changes within 10 days of the change. Remember, you don’t receive actual money from Medicaid; rather, payment is sent directly to your health care providers. You may be asked to contribute toward the cost of some medical services with a copayment. If you don’t report the address change, there may be delays in getting your benefits, and if you’re ever issued a new card, it won’t be sent to the right place.
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Writer Bio
Jayne Thompson earned an LL.B. in Law and Business Administration from the University of Birmingham and an LL.M. in International Law from the University of East London. She practiced in various “Big Law” firms before launching a career as a commercial writer. Her work has appeared on numerous legal blogs including Quittance, Upcounsel and Medical Negligence Experts.