I live in California but might move to another state next year. How will my Medicare coverage change if I relocate?

Question

James Schneider · Accepted Answer

When you move outside of your current coverage, you have a special enrollment period. Allows you 3 months after your move to select a plan Example: Move in June you have July 1, August 1 and September 1

Answered by James Schneider on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, FL & MI

Answered by James Schneider Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

Medicare is a federal health insurance program so it will not change but the type of additional coverage such as a Medicare Advantage plan may be affected. If you're enrolled in a Medicare Supplement, only the monthly premium will be affected.

Answered by Timothy Brown on April 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states

Answered by Timothy Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Deb Haley · Answer

There is a special enrollment. When you move out of your residential area in which you have 60 days to re-enroll in a new plan.

Robert Simm · Answer

This is a great question and it's very common for seniors to move closer to family members. There would be no change on your Medicare coverage because it follows you, and it doesn't matter the states in which you will move to. If you're on a Medicare supplemental plan the you do not have to do anything if you like. I would recommend shopping the supplement of plan because the premiums can be based on the community which you will move from. It is possible that you might be on that type of plan I would call your carrier to find out or your health insurance broker. If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan and then yes you will need to change into a another make Advantage plan based in your new zip code and county. If you have original Medicare and a prescription drug plan and then you would need to change your prescription drug plan.

Answered by Robert Simm on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AL, AR & 15 other states

Answered by Robert Simm Medicare Insurance Agent

Deborah Webster · Answer

Original Medicare is the same regardless of what state you reside in. Your supplemental plans will have to change to what is offered in the state you reside in. You will want to contact your agent or your plan to find out what is provided in the state you are relocating to.

Answered by Deborah Webster on April 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ia & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Salmon · Answer

Medicare plans are based on location, specifically ZIP Codes. Not all plans are available in all ZIP Codes. So when you move from one county to another county or one state to another state, it is very important that you speak with a licensed agent to find a plan in your new ZIP Code.

Answered by Mary Salmon on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX & OK

Answered by Mary Salmon Medicare Insurance Agent

Lesley Burns · Answer

If you choose to relocate, your Medicare coverage will change dependent on the service area in which you relocate.

William Scott · Answer

The easiest route is to confirm with youre current carrier offers a plan identical to or similar to what you currently have. 

If your carrier does not service your new county or zip code, you would want to consider consulting a Medicare Advantage and Supplement Broker in your new county to see what similar plans are available. 

Your coverage could change slitght more or significantly less depending on the zip code and county you're relocating to.

Penny Wegner · Answer

Medicare Part A and B will not change. If you have a Medicare Supplement your plan will follow you to your next state. Watch your premium, that could go up or down but coverage will stay the same. If you have an Advantage Plan you will need to contact an Agent in the State you are moving to, that Plan will change. You will want to make sure your physician's and prescriptions are covered.

Answered by Penny Wegner on April 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI, CA, CO & 8 other states

Answered by Penny Wegner Medicare Insurance Agent

Donald Baker · Answer

You will bring your current plan with you for a limited period of time, once you change your formal state of residency you will need to change plans. 

That will depend on plans available in your new state.

Jake McGeoy · Answer

When you move, you should notify social security (Which will update Medicare as well) for your new address.  This will start a chain of events that will require you to choose a new Part D or Medicare Advantage (whichever you currently use) that will be available in the new county/state of residence. 
If you reach out to a broker like myself, we can walk you through the process and timeline, and advise on what options this provides you in terms of changing the type of coverage that you have.  Each state has different options and laws regarding them.

I live in California but might move to another state next year. How will my Medicare coverage change if I relocate?

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I live in California but might move to another state next year. How will my Medicare coverage change if I relocate?

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