I just moved to a new state. Do I need to do anything with my Medicare coverage?

Question

Maureen McKenna · Accepted Answer

Yes, you will have 60 days to make a change upon arrival into your new state. This will vary by the type of plan you are enrolled in. Consult with an agent to avoid any penalties and missing deadlines.

Answered by Maureen McKenna on April 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 19 other states

Answered by Maureen McKenna Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Capraro III · Answer

Do you have Original Medicare -Parts A and B only? Medicare Advantage? Medicare Supplement? With Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement as long as the Dr(s) take Medicare in the new state you're all set! If you have a Medicare Advantage-you'll have to look at getting a new plan!

Answered by Tony Capraro III on April 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in NH

Answered by Tony Capraro III Medicare Insurance Agent

Marsha Reiniers · Answer

Yes. The move will open up a new enrollment period for you to change your plan, called a Special Enrollment Period. And you need to make that change within 2 months of your move date. If you currently have a Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug plan you will definitely need to shop for a new plan that covers your new address, as these plans are geographically specific. You may also have the opportunity to change to original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan. Speak to a licensed agent who can help you navigate through this process to make sure you have no gaps in coverage. And you should be able to keep your current Medicare Supplement plan as long as you remain enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. You will want to check with your insurance carrier to see if your premium will change because of the move.

Answered by Marsha Reiniers on April 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, NC, PA, SC & VA

Answered by Marsha Reiniers Medicare Insurance Agent

John Stagner · Answer

If you move to a new state, it really depends on what type of plan you have.

If you have a Medicare supplement, you generally don’t have to do anything because they work nationwide. If you have a standalone prescription drug plan, you MAY need to switch to a different plan.

However, if you have a Medicare advantage plan, you almost certainly will have to get a plan that is specific to that area. Also, if you move to an area where your existing Medicare advantage plan doesn’t cover you, you have guaranteed issue right to get a Medicare supplement with no health questions. 

Finally, if you have neither of those, but original Medicare only, you don’t need to do anything, because it is nationwide coverage. However, there are limitations and gaps in original Medicare that can be financially destructive in the wrong situation. That’s why most people have something that puts a cap on the unlimited 20% coinsurance of Medicare.

Ruben Trejo · Answer

If you just moved and you're on a Medicare Advantage or drug plan, you'll probably need to switch since those go by ZIP code, but don’t stress, you get a Special Enrollment Period to handle it. If you’ve got Original Medicare, you’re good, just make sure to update your address with Social Security.

Answered by Ruben Trejo on April 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 27 other states

Answered by Ruben Trejo Medicare Insurance Agent

Esther Miller · Answer

Yes, it's a good idea to get in touch h with a local licensed  agent. 

You may have questions whether you need to make any changes to your existing Supplement or prescription drug plan and if you have an an Advantage plan you have a SEP special enrollment period to change to a new state plan or even a Medigap supplement under guaranteed issue. 

Your local agent can help you find
  providers, and knows the doctors and hospitals near  your new home.

Norman Smith · Answer

Please notify Medicare of your new location and address so they can find relevant information in your area that may be of importance to you. If you have a Supplement plan, you will want to let them know of your new address as well. This doesn't mean you have to change any of the coverages, though! Having these 2 working for you, is a plus because they are protable and travel with you!

Answered by Norman Smith on April 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Yost · Answer

Yes most Medicare plans are county based. If you move out of a service area, you most likely will have to change plans.

Kathy Adams · Answer

Yes, you will need to contact the local office in your new State as they need to know you moved. I'd you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Supplemental plan, you will need to let the carrier know you moved as well.

Answered by Kathy Adams on May 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in NV & ND

Answered by Kathy Adams Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Simm · Answer

That would be dependent on the current coverage you have right now. If you're on original Medicare with a prescription drug plan, then you would need to update your address with Medicare along with Social Security Administration. Typically, you could do that online if you have an account with them. If you happen to have original Medicare along with a medigap plan with prescription drug coverage, then you will need to update your address with all three entities. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, then you would need to change your plan along with Medicare Social Security Administration. If you have a health insurance broker that you work with on a yearly basis, then you could reach out to that person for assistance. They may have a non-resident license in a state in which you are moving too, and they will be able to assist you with your on-going Medicare issues.

Answered by Robert Simm on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AL, AR & 14 other states

Answered by Robert Simm Medicare Insurance Agent

Vernon Pate · Answer

You do not have to do anything with Original Medicare Parts A & B. However, you may need to enroll in a different Medicare Part D plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage with Part D (MAPD) or a Medicare Advantage plan (MA), your current plan may not cover you in your new state. A Special Enrollment Period allows moves to a different location or state. Please get in touch with your local licensed and appointed agent or a licensed and appointed agent in your new state.

Answered by Vernon Pate on April 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in AR, MO & OK

Answered by Vernon Pate Medicare Insurance Agent

Carl Washington · Answer

Yes you do. You would have to obtain coverage that is offered in your new location. You can check with your current agent to see if the plan you currently have is offered in your new location.

Julia Alves · Answer

In most cases.. yes!

If you have Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement Plan + a Standalone Part D Plan:
- You will most likely want to update your address with Social Security and Medicare
- Standalone Part D Plans are region specific, with your move you will be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), usually about 60 days, to search for and enroll in a new plan available in your new region.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD):
- Again, these are region specific, with your move you will be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, usually about 60 days, to search for and enroll in a new plan available in your new region.

In summary
1. Submit address change to Social Security and Medicare
2. It is necessary to review your plan options if you have a MAPD or a Standalone Part D Plan
3. You will have a 60-day SEP to enroll in a new plan available to you in your new region

*TIP: Work with a Licensed Medicare broker like me to help you through all of this :)

I just moved to a new state. Do I need to do anything with my Medicare coverage?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

I just moved to a new state. Do I need to do anything with my Medicare coverage?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website