How will my Medicare plan change if I move out of state?

Depending on the type of Medicare plan you have, you may need to make some changes to your Medicare coverage if you move out of state. Or, if you’re lucky, you can keep the same coverage and not make any changes. 

Regardless of which situation applies to you most, you should be aware of how moving to a different state can or cannot impact your Medicare coverage.

Original Medicare

Fortunately, if you have Original Medicare, also known as Medicare Part A and Part B, you will not have to make any changes if you move out of state. Since Original Medicare does not require you to see a certain provider, you can visit any doctor or hospital as long as they accept Medicare.

When you make the move out of state, make sure to reach out to Social Security and update your mailing address so that Medicare can have it on file.

Medicare Supplement Plan

Medicare Supplement plans help pay for excess charges that are leftover by Medicare, and you can only be enrolled in a supplement plan if you are already enrolled in Original Medicare. You should still be able to keep your current Medicare Supplement plan if you stay enrolled in Original Medicare when you move. 

If you have guaranteed-issue rights, you can choose to switch to a different supplement plan offered in your new area. By having guaranteed-issue rights, you can select a Medicare Supplement plan without being turned down by insurance companies.

Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan but are moving to a location where you are no longer in the plan’s service area, you have a few options to choose from:

• Enroll in the same plan if it’s offered in your new service area
• Enroll in a new Medicare Advantage Plan
• Enroll in Original Medicare with guaranteed-issue to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan (Plans A, B, C, F, K, or L)

If you have a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, you will need to enroll in a plan within your area, which can either be a new plan or a similar one if it’s available. 

For both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription coverage, you can qualify for a Special Election Period. This will grant you the option to switch to either a different Medicare Advantage Plan or a drug plan. But make sure you notify Medicare of your move because this can impact when your Special Election Period is.

Need help finding coverage?

At Bobby Brock Insurance, we help thousands of Medicare beneficiaries all over the United States pick and keep the best Medicare plans suited to their needs. If you need help finding a Medicare plan that’s right for you, give us a call at 662-844-3300. Our experienced insurance agents work for you, not the insurance company.