What Happens to Your Medicare When You Move to a New State

Retirement mobility is more common than ever. Whether you are chasing warmer weather, moving closer to family, or just making a fresh start, Medicare does not have to be complicated when you relocate. But there are a few important things to sort out when you change states.

Original Medicare: No Problem Anywhere in the Country

If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), moving is essentially a non-issue for your core coverage. Original Medicare works with any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare, regardless of where you live. You do not need to notify Medicare or update your coverage when you move states. Your Medicare number and benefits stay the same.

The main thing you need to update is your address with Social Security, since that affects where your Medicare cards and correspondence go. You can do this at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Medicare Advantage: This Is Where It Gets Complicated

Medicare Advantage plans are built around local or regional networks. When you move to a new state, your current Medicare Advantage plan almost certainly does not have a network in your new area. Most plans will cover emergency care anywhere, but regular care outside the plan's service area is typically not covered at all or carries very high cost-sharing.

Moving out of your plan's service area qualifies as a Special Enrollment Period. This means you can disenroll from your current Medicare Advantage plan and either enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan in your new area or switch back to Original Medicare, without waiting for annual open enrollment. You generally have up to two months after your move to make this change.

When you switch to Original Medicare after leaving a Medicare Advantage plan, getting a Medigap supplement may require medical underwriting in most states -- meaning you could be denied or charged higher premiums based on your health history. The exception is if you are within your first year of having Medicare Advantage (you have a guaranteed right to return to Original Medicare with Medigap during that trial period) or if your state has additional protections.

Part D Drug Plans: Update This Right Away

Your Part D prescription drug plan is also tied to a service area. When you move, you should enroll in a new Part D plan that covers your zip code. Moving triggers a Special Enrollment Period for Part D as well. Go to Medicare.gov's plan finder with your new zip code and your current drug list to compare options in your new area.

Medigap: Generally Portable, But Check the Fine Print

Medigap supplement policies are private insurance, and their portability depends on the policy. Most Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable and cover you anywhere Original Medicare is accepted, so they move with you. However, the price of your policy may be affected if you are rated by your state, and some policies have state-specific provisions.

The bigger issue is that when you move to a new state, you do not automatically get a new Open Enrollment Period for Medigap. If your current policy is portable and you are happy with it, you can often just keep it. If you want to switch carriers in your new state, you may face underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue situation.

What to Do When You Move

Update your address with Social Security as soon as possible. If you have Medicare Advantage, contact your plan and confirm whether your new address is still within the service area. If it is not, research new plan options in your destination area before your move date so you do not have a coverage gap. If you have Original Medicare and Medigap, verify your Medigap policy is portable and update your Part D plan for your new zip code.