How does moving to a new state affect my Medicare enrollment timeline?

Question

Joseph Bachmeier · Accepted Answer

If you currently have a Medicare Advantage plan and you move to a new state, you will fall into a Special Election Period you will have 60-days to enroll into a new plan. 
If you are enrolled in a Medigap plan, in most cases you do not need to change. However, you may decide to do so if you can get a lower premium.

Diane Andree · Answer

You need to live in the service area of your plan. Moving to a new State creates a Special Enrollment Period. Your chance to switch plans begins the month before the month you move and continues for 2 full months after you move.

Answered by Diane Andree on April 1, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY

Answered by Diane Andree Medicare Insurance Agent

Cynthia Nakaya · Answer

When you move out of a service area, whether from one county to another, or a different state, you must change plans if you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) or Prescription drug plan (PDP). The ability to change plans after a move falls under a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). 

If you don't notify your plan before you move, you have the month you move and 2 months after (3 months total) to change plans. If you notify your plan before you move, you have the month before, the month of, and 2 months after (4 months total) to make a change.

Plans vary greatly by service area, so don't be surprised if you have different benefits, including maximum out-of-pocket, deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. Extra benefits may also differ from area to area. 

Be advised that some counties with low populations don't have MA plans, so adding a supplement and a PDP may be your only option. Medicare Supplement SEPs are similar but exclude the month before a move. You can join a Medicare Supplement plan the month you move and up to 2 months after. Guaranteed issue is available ONLY if there is no MA plan available in your new service area.

Sound complicated? Contact me and I'll walk you through it.

Steve Houchens · Answer

If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan you need to contact your plan to let them know of your move because if you move outside your plan coverage area you will lose your coverage, and even if you are in a Medicare supplement you always need to inform your plan in case you need to make any changes

Answered by Steve Houchens on April 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Louis Diez · Answer

As a rule, a person has three months to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan that is available in the new location (under option SEP : moving election being selected).  This ensures that the maintenance of coverage that fits one’s needs.

If a person misses the SEP window, a person may have to wait until the next Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) to make changes, which could leave that person without certain coverage for a period of time.

How does moving to a new state affect my Medicare enrollment timeline?

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How does moving to a new state affect my Medicare enrollment timeline?

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A non-government resource website