When you move, it can affect your Medicare coverage. Let’s look at the different kinds of moves—from in-state to abroad—and what they mean for your Medicare.

Moving within state

  If you have Original Medicare, notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your move to update your address.

• If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan, notify the plan of your change of address and see if you will still be in your plan’s area of coverage.
  • If not, you will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to change plans. You can call Medicare to use your SEP and change plans.
• If you have a Medigap, call the plan to ask if the cost of your premium will change.

Moving out of state

All the above applies, plus:

• If you have a Medigap, learn about your new state’s rules around Medigaps. You can call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or your Medicare agent to learn about Medigaps in your state in case you want to make changes in the future.
• If you have a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), learn about the eligibility rules in the state to which you are moving. For help with a new MSP application, contact that state’s SHIP or your Medicare agent.
• If you were automatically enrolled in Extra Help because of your state’s Medicaid or MSP, you may need to actively enroll after your move to another state. You can call SSA (800-772-1213) to learn about the status of your Extra Help.

Moving abroad

• If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan, contact your plan to disenroll. You will no longer be eligible for these plans while living abroad. If you move back to the U.S., you will have an SEP to enroll in plans again.
• If you have premium-free Part A, you should keep it. If you become eligible for premium-free Part A while abroad, you should enroll. To enroll while abroad, request forms from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate of the country you live in.
• If you plan to move back to the U.S. or travel back frequently, you may want to enroll in or keep Part B to have medical coverage during your stays and avoid coverage gaps or late enrollment penalties.
• If you plan to move abroad permanently and not visit the U.S., you might consider dropping Part B. Be aware of the consequences you could face if you enroll later—coverage gaps and late enrollment penalties.