What Happens If You Move to Another State with Medicare?
If you are planning to move, it is best to review your insurance coverage before relocating so your medical and prescription drug coverage can continue without interruption.
Shanti
8/13/20263 min read
What Happens If You Move to Another State with Medicare?
Moving to another state can affect your Medicare coverage. Whether you can keep your current coverage or need to choose a new plan depends on the type of Medicare coverage you have.
If you are planning to move, it is best to review your insurance coverage before relocating so your medical and prescription drug coverage can continue without interruption.
Moving with Original Medicare
If you have Original Medicare, including Part A and Part B, you generally do not need to change your coverage when you move to another state. Original Medicare is a federal program that can be used throughout the United States. You may receive care from any doctor or medical facility that accepts Medicare. However, before choosing a new doctor, you should confirm that the provider accepts Medicare Assignment. You should also update your address with the Social Security Administration so your information in the Medicare system can be updated.
Moving with Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans generally operate within specific geographic service areas. If you move outside your plan’s service area, you will likely be unable to keep the same plan.
In this situation, your move may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. During this period, you can select a new Medicare Advantage plan available in your new location or return to Original Medicare.
If you notify your insurance company before moving, your opportunity to change plans begins one month before the month of your move and continues for two full months after you relocate.
If you notify your insurance company after moving, your Special Enrollment Period begins when you relocate and continues for two full months afterward.
If you do not select a new plan during this period, you may automatically return to Original Medicare after your Medicare Advantage coverage ends.
Moving with Medicare Supplement
If you have Medicare Supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, you can generally keep your current policy after moving, provided you remain enrolled in Original Medicare.
The basic benefits of standardized Medigap plans are the same throughout the country, but your premium may change based on your new ZIP code, age, local healthcare costs, and the insurance company’s pricing method.
If you want to select a new Medigap plan after moving, you may be required to answer health questions and complete medical underwriting. Some states provide additional opportunities and protections for changing Medigap plans.
Never cancel your current Medigap policy before your new coverage has been approved.
Moving with Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are offered based on geographic service areas. Therefore, your current plan may not be available in your new location.
When selecting a new prescription drug plan, do not consider the monthly premium alone. You should also review the plan’s formulary, participating pharmacies, deductible, and the cost of each medication.
If you remain without creditable prescription drug coverage for an extended period, you may be subject to a Part D late enrollment penalty in the future.
If Your New Address Is Still Within the Plan’s Service Area
In some situations, your new address may remain within your current plan’s service area, but different plan options may become available in your new ZIP code.
You may still have an opportunity to change plans in this situation. To confirm your options, provide your new ZIP code to your insurance company and verify that your coverage will remain active.
What Should You Do Before Moving?
Update your new address with the Social Security Administration.
Notify your current insurance company about your move.
Confirm whether your plan is available in your new ZIP code.
Find participating doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies in your new area.
Compare your medications with the formularies of the available plans.
Review premiums, deductibles, and other plan costs.
Coordinate the end date of your current coverage with the effective date of your new coverage. Do not cancel your current coverage until your new plan has been approved. Obtain an adequate supply of your essential medications before moving.
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