How to Handle Medicare When Moving to Another State

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 or older, younger people with certain disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease. While Original Medicare is federally administered, private plans (like Medicare Advantage and supplemental plans) often have geographic boundaries. Relocating to a different state requires reviewing and adjusting Medicare coverage to ensure continuity of care.

Original Medicare Coverage and Mobility

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is a federal program providing nationwide coverage. Beneficiaries can use their Medicare card and access healthcare services from any provider across the United States who accepts Medicare, ensuring continuous coverage after a move.

State-Specific Plan Considerations (Medicare Advantage and Part D)

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans are private plans with specific service areas, often defined by county or state. Moving outside this area typically results in loss of coverage, requiring enrollment in a new plan. For Medicare Advantage, verify if your new address is within your current plan’s service area. For Part D, moving necessitates finding a new prescription drug plan, as drug formularies and pharmacy networks vary by region.

Medigap and Moving

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) helps cover Original Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. While Medigap policies are generally portable across state lines, premiums and availability can vary significantly by state, local market, and even zip code. In specific situations, moving can trigger guaranteed issue rights for Medigap policies. These rights allow beneficiaries to purchase certain Medigap policies without medical underwriting, regardless of health status. This may occur if a beneficiary moves out of their current Medicare Advantage plan’s service area or if their existing Medigap policy ends, providing an opportunity to secure new supplemental coverage.

Steps to Update Your Medicare Information and Plans

When relocating, the first step is to update your mailing address with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This ensures that all official Medicare correspondence, including notices and benefit statements, reaches your new residence. Beneficiaries can update their address through their My Social Security online account, by calling the SSA’s national toll-free number, or by visiting a local SSA office in person. This update ensures seamless administration of your Medicare benefits.

Moving to a new service area triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans. This SEP typically begins the month before your move, includes the month of your move, and extends for two full months after you move. This timeframe allows enrollment in new plans without waiting for the Annual Enrollment Period, preventing gaps in coverage. Use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder to compare options like premiums, benefits, and formularies in your new area. Research and enroll in a new plan promptly within the SEP to ensure continuous coverage.

For Medigap policies, contact your current insurer to confirm portability and inquire about potential premium changes in your new state. If you wish to explore new Medigap options due to cost variations or state-specific plan structures, research policies available in your new location. Be aware that unless guaranteed issue rights are triggered by specific circumstances related to your move, new Medigap policies may be subject to medical underwriting. Finally, update your primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies with your new address and ensure your prescriptions are transferable to the new location.