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

Question

Cynthia Nakaya · Accepted 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.

Larry Dalton · Answer

Moving to a new state or outside your coverage area can trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Medicare Advantage and/or Part D plans.  This allows you to find new coverage in your new residential area.  Whenever you move, it's important to notify Medicare of your new address.  Depending on your location, you may be subject to different rates and reimbursement options.

However, your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage remains unchanged across all states.  This only affects the portion of the Medicare system that is handled through insurance companies, such as your Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D plans.

Joseph Bachmeier · 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

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

Steve Brauer · Answer

Moving to a new state only affects your enrollment in your "secondary insurance" as it pertains to Medicare. The Part A and Part B of Medicare is done on a Federal level, so the enrollment periods are the same no matter what state you live in. If you were enrolling in a Medicare Supplement Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan, moving to a new state opens a window of enrollment for you, called an SEP, Special Enrollment Period.

Answered by Steve Brauer on April 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

You have up to four months to enroll in new Medicare coverage insurance following your move, if you let your Medicare provider know before you leave. In this situation, you can enroll a month prior to the move date, and up to two months after the moving month.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on April 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Carrie April Berg · Answer

Moving to a new state gives individuals a special enrollment period to meet with a local agent and make sure that your plan is offered where they are moving. This is a good time to look at a Medicare Supplement if you couldn’t qualify for one previously due to existing health conditions.

Answered by Carrie April Berg on April 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Carrie April Berg 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?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

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

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website