Medicare coverage provides health insurance for older Americans in all fifty states. This means you can access Medicare benefits from any part of the country. However, if you plan to move permanently to a different state, there are certain formal steps you need to take in order to make sure your Medicare coverage is intact.

Can I use my Medicare in another state?

The type of Medicare plan you have will determine whether you can transfer Medicare to another state.

Original Medicare and moving to another state

If you are covered under Original Medicare, your Part A and Part B benefits will remain valid if you move to another state. This is because Original Medicare does not have a service area, so you can receive your benefits from any Medicare-approved healthcare provider in the country.

If you move to a different state and you are covered under original Medicare, all you need to do is update your mailing address so that Medicare will have your updated details on file.

Medicare Supplement and moving to another state

If you have purchased a Medigap plan to supplement your Original Medicare coverage, you will be able to transfer your Medigap benefits to another state. Most Medigap policies will work the same regardless of state. Medigap plans are accepted by any provider who accepts Medicare to cover some of the costs that are not covered by Original Medicare.

Since Medigap plans are offered by private health insurers, you may also choose to switch to a different Medigap plan offered in your new location. In this case, you may be required to pay higher premiums. You may also be denied coverage by Medigap providers if you have a preexisting condition unless you have guaranteed issue rights.

Medicare Advantage when moving to another state

If you are covered under Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage and are moving to another state, you will need to enroll in a new plan. This is because Medicare Advantage plans typically have a service area within which they operate and a network of providers within this area. This means when you move to another state, you will no longer be within your plan’s service area.

If you move to a different state, you can enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan that is available in your new location. You will be able to enroll under the special enrollment period, which allows people to switch plans outside of the typical open enrollment period.

In some cases, you may find that your current Medicare Advantage provider offers plans in the state you are moving to. In such a case, you may be able to keep your current plan. However, benefits and coverages can vary from state to state, even with the same provider so verify if your plan benefits will remain the same before moving.

Medicare Part D and moving to another state

Part D Medicare plans are sold by private health insurance companies to offer prescription drug coverage. This means that your provider may only operate within a specific service area, so you will need to switch to a Plan D that is available in your new area if you relocate.

You can enroll for a new Medicare Part D plan when you move under the special enrollment period. Keep in mind that you need to enroll in a new plan within two months once you move to avoid losing your prescription coverage.

Note that losing your Medicare part D coverage will incur a late enrollment penalty when you decide to re-enroll.

How to transfer Medicare to another state

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, moving to another state can lead to a lapse in coverage unless you make plans before you move. Apart from Original Medicare and Medigap plans, which can be transferred to a different state, you may need to switch to a new Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plan that is available in your area.

The following steps can help you avoid a lapse in coverage when switching Medicare to another state.

Check for plan options available in your area

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can vary from state to state in terms of costs and coverage benefits. This means it is important to compare and identify the best plans based on your needs before you move.

When you move to a different state, you have a window of three months – the month before you move and 2 months after you move – to switch to a different Medicare plan. You will be able to enroll in a new plan under the special enrollment period. However, if you miss this window, you have to wait until the open enrollment period, which could lead to a lapse in your Medicare coverage.

You can use various Medicare resources like Hellahealth’s Personal Shopper to find plan options that are available in the state you are moving to. This will allow you to make an informed choice and choose a plan that best suits your needs.

Notify your plan provider

Even if you are moving to a state where your current plan is available, it is important to notify your plan provider that you have moved. This will enable Medicare to update your details and have your current address for future communication.

For Original Medicare, you can update your details online, but for Medicare Part C or Part D plans, you will need to contact your plan provider.

When does Medicare special enrollment period begin if you move to another state?

The special enrollment period allows Medicare beneficiaries to enroll or switch to a different plan in special circumstances. Moving to another state qualifies you for special enrollment. Your special enrollment period will typically run for 3 months, beginning one month before you move.

During the special enrollment period, you can:

·         Change your Medicare Advantage plan;

·         Change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage;

·         Go back to Original Medicare from Medicare Advantage;

·         Change your Medicare Part D plan;

·         Enroll in Medicare part D;

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you learn more about switching Medicare to another state, here are answers to frequently asked questions.

Will my Medicare Plan cover me when I move to another state?

If you have Original Medicare, your benefits will remain in effect in all 50 states, provided you go to a Medicare-approved healthcare provider. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans will not cover you if you move to another state that is outside the specified service area.

Will the cost of my Medicare plan remain the same if I move to another state?

No, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D costs can vary depending on the state, so your premiums may change when you move. However, if you are covered under Original Medicare, your premiums and other costs remain the same regardless of state.

Should I notify Medicare if I move to another state?

Yes, it is important to notify Medicare if you move to another state so that they can update your address and personal details. You will also need to notify your provider that you are moving if you have a Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan.