Does moving to a new state let me switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap without health questions?

Question

James Hale · Accepted Answer

Yes, moving to a new state can give you a rare second chance if you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and you move out of its service area, you do indeed get Guaranteed Issue rights. You can drop your Advantage plan and buy certain Medigap plans without medical underwriting, this means no health questions and no denials, even with pre-existing conditions.

This Special Enrollment Period usually lasts up to 2 full months after your move (and can start the month before if you notify early).

Jason Denniston · Answer

Yes. If you move out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area, you have a guaranteed issue right to buy certain Medigap plans without health questions. That usually includes Plans A, B, D, G, and in some cases C or F if you were eligible for Medicare before 2020. You may have additional rights under state law.

Answered by Jason Denniston on April 30, 2026

Broker Licensed in IN, CO, FL & 10 other states

Answered by Jason Denniston Medicare Insurance Agent

Stella Hattox · Answer

No, unfortunately it does not. There are situations where you can be "Guarantee Issue" into a Med Supp. Plan, but moving is not one of them.

Mary Turner · Answer

If you are currently on a medicare advantage plan and move to another state where that plan is not available, the insurance company will issue a letter cancelling your plan once you have informed them of the move. You then must choose your medicare supplement (medigap) plan within 63 days to be able to take advantage of the guarantee issue for having lost coverage. Of course, you should make sure that the medicare supplement goes into effect right after your loss of coverage. If you don't, and you are hospitalized, you are subject to the Part A deductible, part B deductible and 20%.

Answered by Mary Turner on May 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Mary Turner Medicare Insurance Agent

Lynn Floyd · Answer

Yes, if you move out of state, you should be eligible for a Guaranteed Issue right within a certain timeframe, to drop your Medicare Advantage plan and pick up a Medigap plan with no health questions.

Daniel Fraser · Answer

The rule is if your current Medicare Advantage plan does not cover your new area, then most likely yes, you will not need to answer medical questions.

Also, there is a time limit as to when you can do this.  Typically, you need to apply within 2 months (63 days) after your Medicare Advantage plan ends in order to have guaranteed issue rights.

Speak to your agent/broker about the details

Andrew Kelly · Answer

Yes! It does create a special enrollment opportunity. That said, it's important to consult with an agent in the state that you're moving "TO." Every state calculates their Medigap premiums differently and depending on the state you live in, switching, might inadvertently lead to higher prices.

Answered by Andrew Kelly on June 8, 2026

Agent Licensed in WA & OR

Answered by Andrew Kelly Medicare Insurance Agent

Grant Hamilton · Answer

Moving to a new state opens a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for your move where you can switch with what's called .   The moving process is a bit involved.  First, you will need to stop your Advantage Plan and go back to Original Medicare.  Once you are back in Original Medicare, you can apply for a Medigap Plan.  

Keep in mind that moving from Medicare Advantage to Medigap does not cover prescriptions.  You will need to add a separate Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) with your Medigap Policy.  Don't forget to check and see if your medications are covered.

You’ll have up to two months to get a Part D prescription plan, and you’ll qualify for a Medigap guaranteed issue period that lasts up to 63 days after your Medicare Advantage coverage ends. During this time, you can purchase most Medigap plans regardless of existing health problems.  

Although the Medigap Plans offer the same coverage, premiums are not the same price.    Also, different sates have their own rules for Medigap policies.  For instance, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts   offer enrollment at anytime, without the need for a Special Enrollment Period.  Check with a licensed Medicare Broker in your new home town to help you with the specific rules in your new hometown.

Daniel Neale · Answer

Yes — if you move out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area, federal Medicare rules may give you a guaranteed issue right to purchase certain Medigap plans without health questions after returning to Original Medicare. However, the timing rules are very important, and protections can vary somewhat by state, so it’s important to review your options before making any coverage changes.

Answered by Daniel Neale on May 7, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA, FL, ME & 8 other states

Answered by Daniel Neale Medicare Insurance Agent

Jasmine McGehee · Answer

Typically yes, but it does depend on state and carrier. I always advise calling  before you have made the move. The medigap options available to you without health questions may be limited.

Does moving to a new state let me switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap without health questions?

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