What Happens to My Medicare if I Move?

In the United States, anyone over age 65 who has earned enough working credits is eligible for Medicare health coverage, regardless of where they live. The basic Medicare Part A and Part B benefits are the same for everyone in any state. Because many Medicare beneficiaries move after retiring, maintaining their health care benefits is often a concern.

Changing Your Address

• If you are over age 65 and a Medicare beneficiary, and you move to a new address, your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits are not affected. You need to update your address and contact information with the Social Security Administration to ensure that any important notices and information reach you. You can update your information by contacting your local SSA office or visiting the SSA website.

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Plans

• Because Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans are offered by independent insurance companies and vary by state--and in some cases county--if you move you may need to change your plan, if you have one. While in general, you can only change Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans during specific periods during the year, the normal Medicare rules about enrollment periods do not apply if you move.

  When you move, if your current supplement plan is not offered in your area, or if you have additional options that you did not have before, you can switch to a new plan. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, if you notify your plan of your intent to move before it happens, you can switch plans during the month before you move and for two months after the move. If you wait until after you move to notify your plan, you can change plans in the month you notify your plan and for two months after. If you move to a new address within your plan's service area, and there are no additional options available to you, then you cannot switch your MA or Part D plan until the next open enrollment period.

Moving to the United States

• Medicare beneficiaries who have been living outside of the country and are moving back into the United States are also entitled to enroll in a Medicare or Medicare Part prescription drug plan after they move. In this case, you have up to 60 days to choose and enroll in a plan. If you miss the 60-day window, you'll have to wait until the annual open enrollment period to choose a plan. However, you can choose a new Medicare Supplement plan at any time, but you may be subject to medical underwriting rules if you are outside of your initial enrollment period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts for four months after your birthday.

Moving into a Nursing Home or Institution

• Moving into or out of an institution, nursing home or long-term care facility can also affect your Medicare plans, regardless of the location of the facility. When you move from your home to a facility, or back home after being in a facility, you can join a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan or drop your plans and return to original Medicare. You can switch plans for as long as you are in the facility, and have two months after moving back home to make a change.