When you move, it can affect your Medicare coverage. Let’s learn about different types of changes in residence—from in-state to abroad—and what they mean for your Medicare coverage.
How does moving within the U.S. affect my Medicare coverage?
If you have Original Medicare, you will not need to make changes to your Original Medicare when moving within the U.S. Original Medicare does not have provider networks, so you can visit any doctor or facility in the country that accepts Medicare. If you have a supplemental policy known as a Medigap, you do not need to change your plan. Contact the plan to see if the premium will change and note that enrollment rules vary by state.
Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans, on the other hand, have coverage areas. When moving within the U.S., you may need to switch plans. You will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you move out of your plan’s service area or if you move to an area that is still covered by your plan but where more plans are also available to you. To ensure you have coverage in your new place of residence, you should notify your plan in advance and select your new plan if applicable.
Whether you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, you should contact the Social Security Administration to update your information and ensure that you receive important communications.
What if I move abroad?
Decisions about Medicare enrollment can be more complicated if you move abroad, where Medicare does not cover medical costs. If you qualify for premium-free Part A—like most people do—it is usually best to enroll in Part A or to keep it if you already have it. On the other hand, most people owe a Part B monthly premium. If you enroll in or keep Part B, then you owe a premium for coverage you cannot use while abroad. However, if you do not enroll in or keep Part B, you may have a late enrollment penalty and a gap in coverage when you return from abroad. Do note, however, that this is not the case if you or your spouse work outside the U.S. for a company that provides you with health insurance, or if you or your spouse work in a country with a national health system. In these cases, you will qualify for an SEP to enroll in Part B without penalty when you return to the United States.
How does moving withing the U.S. affect cost assistance programs?
Eligibility for and enrollment in a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) are state-specific, so your MSP will not follow you if you move to another state. You will need to disenroll from your MSP and see if you are eligible for an MSP in the state to which you are moving. Even when moving to a new state, your Extra Help benefits will most likely not be affected, as eligibility requirements do not differ by state. It is important to note, however, that if you were automatically enrolled in Extra Help because you had Medicaid or an MSP, but then you lose Medicaid coverage or the MSP because of your move to a different state, you will need to actively enroll in Extra Help to keep those benefits.
Should I enroll in Medicare if I am incarcerated?
If you had Medicare before your arrest, you will remain eligible for the program while you are incarcerated as long as you pay your Medicare premiums. However, your correctional facility will provide and pay for your care during that time, and Medicare will not. Once you are released, Medicare will resume coverage if you remained enrolled. If you are released after January 1, 2023 and there was an enrollment period during your incarceration (usually either your Initial Enrollment Period or the General Enrollment Period) you are eligible for an SEP to enroll in premium Part A and Part B when you are released.
This month’s fraud reminder: Medical identity theft
You may need to share your personal information when you move, like when you update your address, enroll in a new plan, or start seeing new providers. Only share personal information with trusted sources and be on the lookout for medical identify theft. Medical identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it to get medical treatment or equipment and bills your insurance for it. Medical identity theft can affect your medical and health insurance records, and your ability to receive services or equipment in the future when it is medically needed.
Report medical identity theft to your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) if:
- You gave out your Medicare and/or health ID number over the phone or internet to someone offering “free” services such as genetic testing, a “new” Medicare card, or knee/back braces.
- You see on your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits charges for medical services or equipment that you did not receive, such as urinary catheters.
- You are contacted by a debt collection company for a provider bill you do not owe.
- You received boxes of braces, testing kits, or other medical supplies in the mail that you did not request.
- Medicare and/or a Medicare Advantage plan denies or limits your coverage or benefits because of a medical condition you do not have.
Still have questions?
Your SHIP is here for you! You can contact your SHIP for any Medicare-related questions or concerns you have. SHIP counselors are government funded to provide trusted, unbiased Medicare counseling at no cost to you. (Depending on your state, your SHIP may go by another name.) Use our online SHIP Locator or call 877-839-2675 (and say “Medicare” when prompted) to find your local SHIP.
If you think you have experienced potential Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol using the online SMP Locator or by calling 877-808-2468.