My Medicaid ends when I’m outside the U.S. for over 30 days, leaving me to pay Medicare Part B premiums on Social Security retirement income alone. Is there a plan that covers those premiums while I’m abroad?

Question

Gary Foucha · Accepted Answer

Yes—but not usually through a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy. The key distinction is between a plan that pays your Part B premium and a plan that covers medical care while you’re abroad.

Medigap generally does not pay your monthly Part B premium. You must continue paying Part B to keep the Medigap policy. 
Certain Medicare Advantage plans may offer a Part B premium reduction (“giveback”), but you generally must live in the plan’s service area and remain enrolled according to the plan’s rules. Simply being abroad doesn’t make the plan pay your premium. 
If your income and resources are limited, the Medicare Savings Programs may be a better solution. Programs such as SLMB and QI can pay the Part B premium. Eligibility is determined by your state. 
For the medical expenses you incur overseas, Original Medicare generally provides very limited coverage outside the U.S. Some Medigap policies—particularly Plans C, D, F, G, M and N—include foreign-travel emergency coverage, subject to limitations. 
So, if your primary concern is “How can I keep my Social Security check from being reduced by the Part B premium while I live/travel abroad?” the first thing to investigate is a Medicare Savings Program or, depending on where you live and your eligibility, a Medicare Advantage plan with a Part B giveback.

Rick Bechtel · Answer

To my knowledge, no, although this is something of an esoteric question. If by "Medicaid Ends," you mean that Medicaid suddenly no longer covers your Part B premiums, then there won't be any other way to escape having to pay those, yourself. If you don't, you likely will lose Part B at some point, and then will begin to accumulate penalties.

Answered by Rick Bechtel on October 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in WA

Answered by Rick Bechtel Medicare Insurance Agent

Clare Goyette · Answer

You could enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that reimburses a portion of the Part B premium. I don’t suggest that option for being out of the country for short periods of time.

Craig Thibeau · Answer

I would need more information to answer this question.  Are you on vacation or are you traveling. If you could provide me with more specific information, I would appreciate it.

My Medicaid ends when I’m outside the U.S. for over 30 days, leaving me to pay Medicare Part B premiums on Social Security retirement income alone. Is there a plan that covers those premiums while I’m abroad?

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My Medicaid ends when I’m outside the U.S. for over 30 days, leaving me to pay Medicare Part B premiums on Social Security retirement income alone. Is there a plan that covers those premiums while I’m abroad?

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