What Happens to Medicare When a Retiree Moves to Another State?

Moving to another state doesn’t cancel Original Medicare, but retirees with Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medigap coverage may have important plan details to review before relocating. Pressmaster/Shutterstock

Moving from Ohio to Florida, California to Arizona, or any other state doesn’t mean starting Medicare from scratch. Your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage doesn’t disappear simply because you cross a state line, but other pieces of your coverage may need attention before the moving truck arrives. Medicare Advantage plans, Part D prescription drug plans, Medigap policies, provider networks, premiums, and even drug costs can work differently after an interstate move. That’s why moving with Medicare deserves a place on the relocation checklist alongside changing your address and transferring utilities. The most important first step is identifying exactly which type of Medicare coverage you currently have.

Original Medicare Generally Goes With You