An improved magnetoresistive memory device has a reduced distance between the magnetic memory element and a conductive memory line used for writing to the magnetic memory element. The reduced distance is facilitated by forming the improved magnetoresistive memory device according to a method that includes forming a mask over the magnetoresistive memory element and forming an insulating layer over the mask layer, then removing portions of the insulating layer using a planarization process. A conductive via can then be formed in the mask layer, for example using a damascene process. The conductive memory line can then be formed over the mask layer and conductive via.