Moving to Another State: What Happens to Your Medicare and Medicaid

Your Medicare coverage moves with you automatically, but Medicaid requires you to take action in your new state

Medicare is a federal program, so your Part A and Part B coverage stays active no matter which state you move to. You do not need to notify Medicare or reapply. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or prescription drug coverage (Part D), you will need to check whether your current plan operates in your new state — most do not cover out-of-state care except emergencies, and many plans do not serve all states.

Medicaid is run by each state, so when you move, your coverage ends in your old state and you must enroll in your new state's program. The process, income limits, and covered services differ by state. You have 30 days after you move to report your address change to both programs.

Key Takeaways

Medicare Part A and Part B automatically follow you to your new state with no action required on your part.
Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans often do not serve all states, so you must check your plan's coverage area before moving and switch plans if needed.
Medicaid coverage ends when you leave your state, and you must enroll in your new state's Medicaid program within 30 days of moving.
Report your address change to Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or updating your account at Medicare.gov; report to Medicaid through your new state's agency.
Your new state's Medicaid program may have different income limits, covered services, and process processes than your old state.

What happens to your Medicare Part A and Part B when you move

Your Original Medicare (Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance) is administered by the federal government and works the same way in every state. Your coverage does not stop, and you do not need to reapply or notify Medicare that you are moving. You can use your Medicare card at any hospital, doctor, or provider that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country.

The only reason to contact Medicare is to update your mailing address so you receive bills and notices at your new home. You can update your address online at Medicare.gov by signing into your account, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or by mailing a form to your local Social Security office. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Checking whether your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan serves your new state

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (sometimes called Part C or MA), that plan is run by a private insurance company and may not operate in your new state. The same is true for standalone prescription drug plans (Part D). Before you move, contact your plan directly or visit Medicare.gov to check whether your plan is available in your new state.

If your plan does not serve your new state, you have a special enrollment period of two months (starting the month you move) to switch to a different plan without waiting for the annual open enrollment period in October and November. You can compare plans available in your new state on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. If you do not switch during this window, you will lose coverage when you move, and you may face a late-enrollment penalty if you enroll later.

If your current plan does serve your new state, you can keep it, but you should still check whether your doctors and pharmacies are in the plan's network in your new location. Out-of-network care is usually more expensive or not covered at all.

How to enroll in Medicaid in your new state

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, so each state runs its own program with its own rules. When you move to a new state, your old state's Medicaid coverage ends, and you must enroll in your new state's program. You have 30 days from the date you move to report the address change; if you miss this window, there may be a gap in your coverage.

To enroll, contact your new state's Medicaid agency directly. You can find the agency's phone number and website by searching "[your state name] Medicaid" or by visiting Medicaid.gov and selecting your state. Some states also allow you to explore online or by mail. You will need to provide proof of your new address (such as a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement), proof of income, and information about any household members.

Processing times vary by state but typically take two to four weeks. During this time, you may have a gap in coverage. Some states offer continuous coverage for a short period after you move if you were already enrolled in Medicaid, but this is not may provide. Ask your new state's Medicaid office whether you are covered during the process period.

Income limits and covered services may differ in your new state

Each state sets its own income limits for Medicaid, and these limits vary widely. You may have been may be able to access in your old state but not in your new state, or vice versa. For example, some states cover adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, while others cover only parents and children at much lower income thresholds.

Medicaid also covers different services depending on the state. All states must cover certain basics — hospital care, doctor visits, and emergency services — but optional services like dental, vision, hearing aids, and long-term care vary. When you enroll in your new state's Medicaid, ask what services are covered so you know what to expect.

If you become ineligible for Medicaid in your new state because of income limits, you may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a marketplace plan instead. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Healthcare.gov to explore other options.

Updating your address with both Medicare and Medicaid

You must report your move to both programs, even though they are separate. For Medicare, update your address at Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or by visiting your local Social Security office. For Medicaid, contact your new state's Medicaid agency as soon as you move.

Keep a record of when you reported your address change to each program. If you receive a bill or notice at your old address after you move, contact the program when ready to confirm your new address was recorded. Delays in updating your address can result in missed notices about plan changes, coverage decisions, or billing issues.

What to do if you have both Medicare and Medicaid

If you are enrolled in both programs (sometimes called "dual may be able to access"), you must update your address with both. Your Medicare coverage will continue automatically, but your Medicaid coverage will end in your old state and you must enroll in your new state's program within 30 days.

Some states offer special Medicaid programs for people who are dual may be able to access, such as managed long-term care or integrated care programs. When you enroll in your new state's Medicaid, ask whether these programs are available to you. These programs sometimes coordinate your Medicare and Medicaid benefits, which can reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my Medicare coverage when I move to another state?

No. Your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage continues automatically in your new state. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan, you must check whether that specific plan serves your new state. If it does not, you have two months to switch to a plan that does.

What if I move in the middle of the year and my Medicare Advantage plan does not serve my new state?

You have a special enrollment period of two months starting the month you move. During this time, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or switch to Original Medicare without waiting until October. If you do not switch during this window, you will lose coverage when you move.

Do I need to reapply for Medicaid in my new state?

Yes. Medicaid is run by each state, so you must enroll in your new state's program. You have 30 days from the date you move to report your address change. Contact your new state's Medicaid agency to start the enrollment process.

What if my new state's Medicaid income limit is lower than my income?

You may become ineligible for Medicaid in your new state. If this happens, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, a marketplace plan, or other coverage options. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Healthcare.gov to see what plans are available to you in your new state.

How long does it take to enroll in Medicaid in my new state?

Processing times vary by state, but most applications are processed within two to four weeks. Some states offer temporary coverage while your process is being reviewed, but this is not may provide. Ask your new state's Medicaid office about coverage during the process period so you know whether you have a gap.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.