Moving with Medicare
Original Medicare moves with you. Private plans may not.
Medicare is national, but many parts of it are local. What you need to do when you move depends on how you get your coverage.
Original Medicare
Parts A and B work with any provider in the US that accepts Medicare, so they come with you. Update your address with Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board).
Medicare Advantage and Part D
These plans have service areas. If you move out of yours, you get a Special Enrollment Period to join a new plan, starting the month before you move and lasting 2 months after. If you don't choose one, you may be returned to Original Medicare and could be without drug coverage. If you move within the area but new plans are available, you also get a chance to switch.
Medigap
Your Medigap policy generally stays in force when you move, but your premium may change to reflect your new location. If you have a Medicare SELECT policy and move out of its area, you have a guaranteed issue right to buy another policy. And if you leave a Medicare Advantage plan because you moved out of its area, you may have a guaranteed right to buy Medigap.
State Medigap rules, such as birthday rules, follow your new state.
Help paying
Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs are state programs. If you have them, you'll need to reapply in your new state.
Common questions
Tell Social Security (or the RRB), and your Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap plans.
Original Medicare works in both states. Many Medicare Advantage plans cover only emergencies and urgent care outside their area; some offer visitor programs. Check before you choose.
Want help with your own choices?
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help and do not sell plans. Find yours on our Medicare by state pages, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Planning the rest of your coverage in retirement? We can help with life insurance later in life and final expense coverage.
Sources
- Special Enrollment Periods, Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
- Choosing a Medigap Policy (March 2026), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Checked September 29, 2026.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Quote My Policy does not sell Medicare plans on this site. For plan-specific help, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.