When you're planning a move, you have to coordinate everything from finding a home to making sure your belongings are packed up safe and sound. One thing that many people forget to check is whether their existing Medicare coverage goes with them when they move to a new state or county. You don't want to add health insurance worries onto your plate during an already stressful time. Here's information you need to know about your Medicare coverage when you move.

• Medicare Part A and B: Original Medicare
• Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage
• Medicare Part D: Medicare Prescription Drug
• Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)
• How to Keep Your Medicare Coverage When You Move
• Medicare Enrollment Deadlines After a Move
• What if Your Move is Temporary?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Moving with Medicare
• Final Thoughts

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Medicare Part A and B: Original Medicare

If you are enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and B), your Medicare coverage and benefits follow you wherever you move. If you decide to stay on Original Medicare, all you need to do is update your address by contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) or log into your my Social Security account online. For information on how to change your address, click here.

 

Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), this is where you'll find the biggest changes during a move and where you will potentially need the most help. Depending on where you're moving to, your current Medicare Advantage plan might not be offered. This is because Medicare Advantage plans are offered based on your county of residence.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, and you're moving to a county that doesn't offer that same plan, then you will need to decide whether to switch back to Original Medicare (Part A and B), or enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan that is offered in the county you’re moving to.

 

Medicare Part D: Medicare Prescription Drug

If you have a Medicare Prescription Drug plan (Part D) and you are moving to another county, your plan might not follow you when you move. Similar to Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D plans are also offered based on your county of residence. If your current Medicare Part D plan is not available in the county you’re moving to, then you will need to enroll in a new Medicare Part D plan that is offered in that county.

Another option to consider is a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that includes prescription drug coverage. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage, then you do not need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.

 

Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) plan, your plan coverage and benefits follow you wherever you move, but your premiums may change. Medigap plan premiums and costs are based on your location, so it could be significantly different than what you are currently paying. While the premiums may be different for your policy, the benefits are standardized on a federal level.

 

How to Keep Your Medicare Coverage When You Move

Moving doesn't have to mean losing your peace of mind about health care coverage. Here's your roadmap to ensure seamless Medicare coverage when you move.

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Medicare Enrollment Deadlines After a Move

If you wait until you're already in your new home to start this process, your enrollment period begins on the day you move and continues for two full calendar months after your move.

If you notified your Medicare plan provider but haven’t moved yet, then your opportunity to enroll in a new plan begins the month before you move and continues for two months after you move.

If you miss your Special Enrollment Period or decide later that you want to change plans, you'll need to wait for the next enrollment window. Here's when you can make changes:

Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7): During this period, you can:

• Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
• Switch from your current Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan
• Add, drop, or switch Part D prescription drug plans.

Any changes during Annual Enrollment Period take effect January 1st of the following year.

Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31): During this period, you can:

• Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
• Switch from your current Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan
• Add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan if you return to Original Medicare

Changes during Open Enrollment Period take effect the first day of the month after your plan receives your request.

 

What If Your Move is Temporary?

If you're planning a temporary move, you have options to ensure your travels won't disrupt your health care continuity.

For Short-Term Stays

If you're spending a few months in a different location but maintaining your primary residence elsewhere, you typically don't need to change your Medicare coverage. Original Medicare works nationwide, so you'll have coverage for emergencies and urgent care. However, your Medicare Advantage plan's provider network might be limited outside your plan’s service area.

What this means for you:

• Emergency services and urgent care are covered anywhere in the U.S.
• Routine care might require traveling back to your home state or paying out-of-network costs
• Prescription drug coverage and pharmacy networks may be different in your new location

For Extended Seasonal Stays

Many seniors split their time between different locations. If this matches your situation, you have options:

• Keep your current plan and budget for potential out-of-network costs during your extended seasonal stay
• Switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that has broader network coverage

Special Considerations

Medicare considers your "permanent residence" as where you spend most of your time. If your extended seasonal stay becomes longer than your time at home, you may need to change your plan.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Moving with Medicare

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Final Thoughts

Keeping your Medicare health insurance coverage during a move can be complicated. Keep this guide on-hand to review the options and services available to you as you prepare for your move. This guide will help you by providing the information you need to enroll and use your Medicare benefits as soon as you're in your new home.

Whether you're comparing your options for the first time or looking to switch to a plan that better meets your needs, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Use our online Plan Finder tool or register to attend a seminar to see which of our Medicare Advantage plans are available in your area. You can also call us at 1-888-293-8272 (TTY: 711) to speak with one of our Medicare experts at Alignment Health Plan. We are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from October 1 through March 31 and Monday to Friday (except holidays) from April 1 through September 30.