Your Medicare coverage moves with you automatically

When you move to another state, your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage continues without interruption. You do not need to notify Medicare or reapply. However, your prescription drug coverage, supplemental insurance, and Medicare Advantage plans may change because they are tied to specific service areas. You will need to review your coverage options in your new state and make changes if your current plans no longer serve that area.

The timing of your move matters. If you move during the year, you have a special enrollment period that lets you change plans outside the normal enrollment window. Understanding what stays the same and what requires action will help you avoid coverage gaps.

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 cover your new state, so you must switch plans within 60 days of moving.
  • Supplemental insurance (Medigap) may not be available in your new state, and you may face waiting periods if you switch plans.
  • You can change plans anytime during a move without waiting for the annual enrollment period, but you must act within 60 days.
  • Contact your current insurance companies before moving to confirm whether they serve your new address.

What stays the same when you move

Your Medicare Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance are federal programs that work in all 50 states. These coverages follow you automatically. You will still be covered for hospital stays, doctor visits, lab tests, and other Part A and Part B services in your new state, using the same Medicare card and the same deductibles and copayments you pay now.

Your Medicare number does not change. Your may be able to access does not change. You do not need to call Medicare or fill out forms to keep Part A and Part B active in your new location.

Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans that may not transfer

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and standalone prescription drug plans (Part D) are run by private insurance companies and only cover people in specific geographic areas. When you move, your current plan may no longer serve your new address. Most plans will automatically end your coverage on the last day of the month you move, or they will notify you that you are no longer in their service area.

You have 60 days from the date you move to pick a new Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan in your new state. If you do not choose a plan within that window, you may face a late enrollment penalty added to your premiums for as long as you have Medicare. Contact your current plan directly to confirm the exact end date of your coverage and to ask whether they operate in your new state.

Supplemental insurance (Medigap) and state-to-state moves

Medigap policies are sold by private insurers and vary by state. Your current Medigap plan may not be available in your new state, or the same plan letter (Plan G, Plan N, etc.) may have different benefits or costs. Some states have different Medigap plans than others.

If your current Medigap plan does not serve your new state, you will need to switch to a plan that does. When you switch Medigap plans due to a move, you may have a may provide issue right, which means the insurance company cannot deny you or charge you more based on your health history. However, this protection is only available if you explore within 63 days of losing your current coverage. After that window closes, insurers can underwrite your process and may refuse to cover you or charge higher premiums.

Steps to take before and after your move

Before you move: Contact your Medicare Advantage plan, Part D plan, and Medigap insurer at least 30 days before your move date. Ask whether they serve your new state. If they do not, ask for the exact date your coverage ends. Request a list of plans available in your new location.

After you move: Once you have your new address, log into Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to see which plans serve your area. Compare Medicare Advantage plans, Part D plans, and Medigap options. Enroll in new plans within 60 days of your move to avoid late enrollment penalties. Keep records of your move date and any correspondence from your old insurers confirming the end of coverage.

Update your address with Social Security and Medicare as soon as you move. You can update your address online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. This ensures that Medicare sends your new insurance cards and any notices to the correct address.

How to find plans in your new state

Medicare.gov has a plan finder tool that shows all Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans available in your new zip code. Enter your new address, your current medications (for Part D), and your preferred doctors and hospitals. The tool will show you plans that cover those providers and what your out-of-pocket costs would be.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak with a representative who can walk you through plan options by phone. Many states have State Health Insurance information Programs (SHIPs) that offer free, one-on-one counseling about Medicare plans. Search for "[your new state] SHIP" online to find the program in your new location.

When to seek help from Medicare or your state

Contact Medicare when ready if your current plan tells you that you are no longer covered in your new state but you have not yet chosen a new plan. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm your move qualifies you for a special enrollment period and to enroll in a new plan by phone if needed.

If you miss the 60-day window to change plans, you may still have options. Call your state's SHIP program or 1-800-MEDICARE to ask whether you can request a waiver of the late enrollment penalty. Penalties are not automatic, and some people may have access to for exceptions based on their circumstances.

If you have trouble finding Medigap coverage in your new state due to health conditions, contact your state insurance commissioner's office. Some states have high-risk pools or other programs for people who cannot obtain coverage through the standard market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to tell Medicare I am moving?

You do not need to tell Medicare to keep Part A and Part B active, but you should update your address with Social Security so Medicare sends mail to the correct location. Update your address at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.

What happens if I do not change my Medicare Advantage plan before moving?

Your plan will end coverage on the last day of the month you move or when they notify you that you are out of service area. You will then have no Medicare Advantage coverage. You have 60 days from your move date to enroll in a new plan. If you miss that important date, you may owe a late enrollment penalty for the rest of your life.

Can I keep my current prescription drug plan if I move?

Only if your current plan serves your new state. Contact your plan directly to confirm. If it does not, you must choose a new Part D plan within 60 days of moving. Use the plan finder at Medicare.gov to see which plans cover your medications in your new location.

Will I have to pay more for Medigap in my new state?

Medigap premiums vary by state and by insurer. Your new plan may cost more or less than your current plan. If you switch Medigap plans within 63 days of losing coverage due to your move, insurers cannot charge you more based on your health. After 63 days, they can underwrite your process and charge higher premiums or deny coverage.

What if my new state does not have the same Medigap plan I have now?

Medigap plans vary by state. If your current plan is not available, you will need to choose a different plan letter. Plans with the same letter (like Plan G) have the same benefits in all states, but different insurers may offer them at different prices. Your state's SHIP program can help you compare available plans.