By Sandra Jacques / Updated April 8, 2024
The Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM) is a departmental body responsible for guaranteeing access to care for policyholders. It is notably responsible for the payment of compensation, the reimbursement of health costs, the processing of care forms and the management of the rights of policyholders registered with the CPAM. Around 102 CPAMs are present throughout the territory and thus make it possible to cover all departments.
Each insured person is affiliated to the Health Insurance fund closest to them, but it may happen, particularly in the event of a move, to have to change CPAM.
Why change CPAM?
Over the course of a lifetime, there are sometimes events that require administrative changes to be made. The change of CPAM is, in the majority of cases linked to:
- Or a move
- Or a change in professional situation
- Or to a family reunification
If a move within the same department does not necessarily require a change of health insurance fund, on the other hand, a move outside the department inevitably implies affiliation with a new CPAM.
Likewise, when your professional situation changes, you may have to change funds. This is the case, for example, if you move from the public sector to the private sector or if you previously depended on the Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA).
How to change CPAM?
Depending on the reason for your change of CPAM (moving or change in your professional life), the procedure is different. All explanations can be viewed below.
Procedures in the event of a move
In the event of a change of address, you must update your file with your health insurance fund by transmitting the following information:
- your registration number to Social Security;
- your new postal address : it is important to also indicate the date of your move;
- your RIB (if you have also changed banking establishment).
To do this, you can choose:
- Report your change of address on the site Ameli.fr by logging into your personal space and clicking on the “My procedures” tab.
- Contact your CPAM by telephone by dialing 3646 (price of a local call).
- Inform your health insurance fund by mail to the address indicated on your certificate of rights.
Once your new information has been transmitted, the file transfer to your new CPAM will be carried out automatically. You will then receive a new certificate of rights on which will appear the contact details of your new fund as well as a letter inviting you to update your vital card.
Good to know : the transfer of file from one CPAM to another can sometimes encounter some technical and/or administrative problems, do not hesitate to check the change of your CPAM with your new Health Insurance fund.
Procedures for professional development
Steps to take to change health insurance fund differ depending on the plan to which you were previously affiliated.
If you were affiliated with the Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA) and you start a new professional activity in the private sector, you will have to register with the CPAM scheme. This transfer can be carried out either by your employer, via the Nominative Social Declaration (DSN), or by you by completing the change of situation form “Request for transfer”. Once this form has been duly completed, you must send it to your health insurance fund, accompanied by a photocopy of your identity document and a bank identity statement.
If you were a public sector employee, contact your former employer to find out what steps to take depending on your situation. Indeed, these may vary from one public service to another.
Finally, if you were independent, you do not have to do anything specific since you are, in fact, automatically attached to the CPAM.
What are the deadlines for changing CPAM?
Depending on the type of procedure you have chosen (internet, telephone or paper) and the number of files to be processed, the deadlines for changing CPAM may vary from one fund to another.
You can get an idea of the processing time for your request by logging into your Ameli account. From the “My procedures” section, access the “Consult my CPAM processing times” tab then enter the date your request was sent.
Generally, The average time taken for a file transfer to a new department to be effective is estimated at 2 weeks.. However, it may happen that processing your request takes a little longer than expected, particularly during busy periods such as September or January.
In the event of a significant delay, do not hesitate to contact your CPAM on 36 46 (favor low-volume hours between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.) to ensure that your file is complete and that nothing is blocking that side.
What to do in case of difficulties?
If you encounter difficulties when changing your CPAMyou can, firstly, go to the reception point closest to you or contact your health insurance fund on 3646.
You can also make a complaint:
- from your Ameli account by following the recommendations of the tutorial set up by Health Insurance;
- by post, indicating the subject “complaint” at the top of your letter.
At the end of your complaint, if your difficulties persist, you can then call on the mediator of your health insurance fund who will ensure that your problem is resolved as quickly as possible.
Frequently asked questions about changing CPAM
Does my Social Security number change when I change CPAM?
When you change CPAM, your Social Security number remains unchanged. In fact, the latter is a unique and personal registration number which is definitively assigned to you.
In particular, it allows you to identify yourself with Social Security and all the organizations linked to it, but also with the CAF, your pension fund or even France Travail. It is recorded on your vital card or your certificate of rights and is essential for many procedures.
How do I update my health card after changing CPAM?
Following the change of CPAMyou will be asked to update your vital card.
To do this, you will need to access a multi-service terminal. It’s a quick and easy process to do since you just need to follow the instructions on the card reader.
You can find the terminals in different locations:
- in a drug store ;
- at a CPAM reception point near you;
- within certain health establishments.
If you encounter difficulties, do not hesitate to ask for help from the professionals on site.
If, despite the ease of the operation, your card is not updated correctly, it is possible that it is too old. In this case, you can always, by logging into your Ameli account, cancel your card and order a new one. While waiting for your new card, you can present your certificate of rights to the health professionals you consult.
Are there consequences if I do not change CPAM after moving?
Any change in situation must be reported to Social Security.
Besides the fact of encounter difficulties in your repaymentsnot changing CPAM after a move can also lead to delays or complications in the management of your rights and your health coverage.
In addition, you risk missing out on essential information since the CPAM may regularly send you important documents by post, such as your reimbursement statements or even invitations to preventive health examinations.
Can I choose my new CPAM?
Non, you cannot choose your new health insurance fund yourself. When you move to a new department, the transfer from one fund to another is done automatically according to the new address you have indicated.
Once the transfer has been made, you will receive a letter from your new CPAM informing you of the successful receipt of your file and confirming the attachment to your new fund.
What should I do if my request to change CPAM is refused?
If your request to change CPAM is refused, please note that you have the right to challenge this decision.
To do this, you must firstly: refer to the amicable appeal committee (CRA) from your fund. If your request is rejected again, you then have the possibility of taking steps with the social center of the judicial court.
How long does a CPAM change take?
The deadlines for changing CPAM vary from one fund to another, but you can count on average 2 weeks before your change is effective.
Do not hesitate to follow the progress of your file from your Ameli personal account. In the event of a delay in the transfer, do not hesitate to contact an advisor on 36 46.
Photo credit: © Charles LIMA / Adobe
A teacher for 13 years, I am committed to making the world of social assistance clear and accessible to all.
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