Are you looking to retire in another state, or possibly move closer to family?

Regardless of the reason, there may be a time where you’ll move from one state to another while you have Medicare.  Here’s what you need to know to ensure there are no interruptions in your benefits or health care coverage.

Original Medicare

• Since Original Medicare (Part A & Part B) is administered by the Federal Government, your coverage will transfer if you move within the United States and its territories
• Be sure to inform Medicare of your new address before you move by updating it in your My Social Security account, calling 1-800-772-1213 or by contacting your local Social Security office
• This should be your first step regardless of which Medicare health plan you carry

Health Plan Options

• Medigap
  • Medicare Advantage
  • Part D
  • Medicaid

Medigap Coverage

• Prior to moving, contact your Medigap’s customer service department (number on your ID card) and notify them of your new address
• Even if your carrier does not sell plans in the state you are moving to, you are able to retain your coverage

Medigap Coverage

• Carriers cannot cancel your coverage for any reason, including moving to a new state, so you do not have to worry about losing your benefits
• The carrier may adjust your premium to match the premiums offered in the new state, or move you to a different rate class in your current state for those that reside “out-of-state”

Medigap Coverage

If you have a Medicare Select Medigap plan and you move outside of its service area, you have a guaranteed right to purchase a plan from any carrier in the state you’re moving to

Medicare Advantage

• Medicare Advantage plans have specific service areas that are based on the county of your permanent residence
• You can check your plan’s service area by reviewing the Summary of Benefit or Evidence of Coverage provided by your plan to determine whether your plan will be offered in your new county of residence
• If you’re moving outside your plan’s service area, you have the following options:

Choose a new Medicare Advantage plan

• If you tell your plan before you move your chance to switch plans begins the month before the month you move and continues for 2 full months after you move
  • If you tell your plan after you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month you tell your plan, plus 2 more full months

Choose a Medigap plan

• You have a Guaranteed Issue right to purchase any Medigap plan available in the state you’re moving to
  • This right lasts for 63 days after your Medicare Advantage plan was canceled for moving outside the service area

Part D Plans

• Stand-alone Part D plan benefits and premiums are based on which of the 34 Part D regions across the United States you reside in
• If you move outside of your Part D region, you have the ability to purchase a new plan available in the region you’re moving to
• This right lasts up to 2 months after you’ve notified your plan of your new address

Part D Plans

Most regions consist of just one state, but some regions represent multiple states:

• Region 1: ME, NH
• Region 2: CT, MA, RI, VT

• Region 5: DC, DE, MD
• Region 6: PA, WV
• Region 12: AL, TN
• Region 15: KY, IN
• Region 25: IA, MN, MT, NE, ND, SD, WY
• Region 30: OR, WA
• Region 31: ID, UT

Example: If you move from Minnesota to Iowa, you would still be in the same region!

Part D Plans

If you receive Extra Help with your Part D costs, this benefit will move with you from state to state as it’s administered by the Federal Government and will automatically coordinate with your new plan

Medicaid

• Medicaid is a program designed to help individuals and families with limited income and resources afford the cost of their healthcare
• If you receive Medicaid benefits in your current state, you will want to start the process of applying for benefits in your new state as soon as you move (not earlier)
• You can locate the new state’s contact information via Medicaid.gov

Helpful Tips

• Know your new address before contacting Medicare or your current health plan
• Understand whether your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan will be available in your new state
• Research doctors and hospitals around your new residence as part of choosing a new healthcare plan, if necessary
• It’s always best to start the process before you move to avoid disruptions in your benefits or access to care

Questions?

I’m here to help.