I am moving to a new state in a few months. What's a good Medicare check list to make sure I am not missing anything in my new state?
Answered by 11 licensed agents
First, you have a lot going on for the move to another state. I would highly suggest working with someone (Medicare Broker or Specialist) to help you with it.
As for your Medicare, it depends if you have Original Medicare with a supplemental or a Medicare Advantage plan. Your actual Medicare card will not change and will move with you across the country, but you should notify Medicare and/or Social Security of your new address.
If you have a Medicare supplemental plan plus stand alone prescription plan than you should check with your insurance carrier as rules vary from state to state. You may have to reapply for coverage or you should qualify for "guaranteed issue" plans, depending on your health. Either way you will have options. Then you should check to see if your prescription plan is available in your new state. Then you should also check the formulary on that plan to see if that's still the best plan for you based on your new state and zip code. You will have a (SEP) Special Enrollment Period to switch prescription plans anytime of the year. You have a 60 day window to switch.
As for Medicare Advantage plans, you should see what plans are available in that state or zip code. You also will have a (SEP) Special Enrollment Period. You can switch plans 1 month before the move or 2 months after your move to make the change. Keep in mind when you switch plans, they always start the first of the month. Most of the Medicare Advantage plans have networks to deal with, so make sure your Dr's will be in network. Also, if you are switching doctors, make sure to request your records be sent to your new providers.
Lastly, make sure to check in with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). They will be a great resource.
Find new in-network doctors if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan. Mark your special enrollment window — you usually get 2 months after moving to switch plans. Check if your plan works in your new state (especially Medicare Advantage or Part D — they may not!). Update your address at Social Security (that updates Medicare too).
When you are moving to a new state, it is more important than ever to find a trusted broker in your new state that can guide you. Moving to a new state can give you access to Medicare plans that would otherwise deny you for pre existing medical conditions. Moving to a new state means new doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. It's important to find an experienced broker in that state who can help you navigate that new world so to speak.
That is a great question. However, since there are States that do change some things every year which is allowable with those insurance companies who offer Medicare Advantage plans. However, moving to a new state qualifies you for an "SEP", a Special Election Period. What this means is that you can choose ANYTHING you wish without any medical questions being asked of you on an application. So, if you found out that a Supplement (or Medigap) seems to be a better plan for you as opposed to the Advantage plan that you may have, that SEP is going to be vital to transition to, due to the more comprehensive medical benefits.
However, if you already have a Medigap, there will be a difference in the cost per month once you enlighten them of your new address. Depending upon your current State, it could be less OR it may be more expensive/month. Contact your current agent if you have the Medigap to ask her/him which State is going to have a higher premium?
If you have a national plan for Medicare advantage or supplement. In other words, an insurance company that works all over the United States there's nothing to do but notifying them of the change of address. If you have a supplement plan, he might have a change in your monthly premium as a result and likewise for prescription drug plans
But make sure you do the change of address with them so that you don't run into any problems should you need medical attention
If you are on original Medicare with a supplement to Medicare, you can typically keep that supplement. Call the company to check. End of story. If you are on an Advantage Plan, you are given an SEP (Special Enrollment Period) of 3 months to change your plan to a plan in the state or county where you will move to: consisting of the month that you move + the following 2 months, to make the change. I always advise my clients who move out of state, to find a Dr in your new location from friends, relatives or neighbors, then ask that Dr for an independent agent who can advise on the local Advantage plans. Most Dr's know agents who they can refer the patients to. Until you make the change, if you need medical care, you can go to any urgent care, or the ER of any hospital. If you have a PPO Advantage plan, you can also see any Dr, either in or out of your network.
I'd recommend you update your address with Social Security (1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov) to ensure plan notices reach you. For Original Medicare, use Medicare.gov to verify that providers in your new state accept Medicare. If you’re on Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D, confirm your plan’s availability in the new state; if it’s not offered, you’ll get a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to switch—call a licensed agent/broker or 1-800-MEDICARE to check. Compare new plans during open enrollment (October 15–December 7, 2025) or your SEP on Medicare.gov, reviewing costs, networks, and drug coverage. For Medigap, ensure your policy transfers or shop for a new one. Explore state-specific programs like Extra Help for low-income support.
Find a trusted Medicare advisor, first and foremost. When moving to a new state it is imperative that you find someone that can review all of the plans with you and not just 1 or 2 plans. The more plans a broker can review, the more options you have with that broker. Also, the more knowledgeable the broker, the better. Finding a broker/advisor that knows the different doctors in the area is crucial, I often ask my clients for reviews on their providers so I can get a good gauge on what doctors seem to have the better reviews from current patients, not just Google reviews.
When you move you have up to 4 months to notify Medicare, the month before you move and up to 2 months after your move, however the sooner the better. Not only do you notify Medicare, you update Social Security and your Insurance Company. Look into new plans in your new area with your current broker as they also may be licensed in the state you have moved to. Get enrolled into the plan quickly and find new doctors and medical facilities in the networks. Also do not forget to request a transfer on your medical records.
Since you are moving to a new state you’ll have to get a plan in that service area. The first thing is to ensure all of your doctors are in network for whichever plan you choose. Second that any prescription drugs you’re taking is covered and at what level. Also check to see if you qualify for Medicaid. After that it’s just a matter of choosing the benefits in a plan that suits you and your lifestyle.
