Medicare & Moving: What You Need to Know Before You Change Your Residence

A move—whether across town, across the country, or across the globe—can bring exciting new beginnings. But for people with Medicare, it also brings important steps to protect your coverage. Understanding what changes (and what doesn’t) can help you avoid gaps, penalties, and unnecessary stress.

Below is a clear guide to how different types of moves affect your Medicare, plus tips to keep your personal information safe along the way. (Handout from SHIP available for download.)

Moving Within Your State

A local move may seem simple, but it still affects how Medicare communicates with you and how certain plans operate.

• If you have Original Medicare: You’ll need to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) so your address stays up to date.
• If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan: These plans have service areas. Contact your plan to confirm you’re still covered in your new ZIP code. If you’re not, you’ll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to choose a new plan. Your local SHIP can help you use this SEP.
• If you have a Medigap policy: Call your Medigap insurer to ask whether your premium will change based on your new address.

Moving to Another State

A move across state lines adds a few more considerations.

Along with the steps above:

• Medigap rules vary by state. Your new state may have different Medigap protections or pricing. SHIP counselors in your new state can help you understand your options.
• Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) differ by state. Eligibility rules change when you move. Contact the SHIP in your new state for help applying.
• Extra Help may not transfer automatically. If you were automatically enrolled because of Medicaid or an MSP in your previous state, you may need to actively re-enroll. Social Security can confirm your status.

Moving Abroad

Living outside the U.S. changes your Medicare coverage significantly.

• Medicare Advantage and Part D: You must disenroll—these plans cannot cover you abroad. If you return to the U.S., you’ll have an SEP to re-enroll.
• Premium-free Part A: Keep it. If you become eligible while abroad, you can enroll through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Part B: If you plan to visit the U.S. regularly or return someday, keeping Part B can prevent coverage gaps and late penalties. If you’re moving abroad permanently and won’t return, you may consider dropping Part B—but be aware of the consequences if you enroll later.

Medicare & Incarceration

Medicare eligibility doesn’t end when you’re incarcerated.

If you had Medicare before your arrest, you remain eligible as long as you continue paying your premiums. The correctional facility—not Medicare—covers your care during incarceration.

Upon release, Medicare resumes coverage. And if you were released after January 1, 2023 and missed an enrollment period while incarcerated, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in premium Part A and Part B.

Protect Your Personal Information When You Move

Moving often means sharing personal details with new providers, insurers, and agencies. Stay alert to protect yourself from medical identity theft, which can lead to false medical records, denied services, and fraudulent bills.

Contact your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) if:

• You shared your Medicare number with someone offering “free” services or equipment.
• You see charges on your MSN or EOB for services you didn’t receive.
• You receive medical supplies you never requested.
• A debt collector contacts you about a bill you don’t owe.
• Your coverage is denied because of a condition you don’t have.

Your SMP can help you identify and resolve potential fraud, errors, or abuse.

Need Help Navigating Your Move?

Your local SHIP and SMP are here to support you.

SHIP (Medicare counseling): 📞 866‑413‑5337 📧 shineinfo@aaaswfl.org 🌐 www.floridashine.org

To find a SHIP in another state: 877‑839‑2675 or www.shiphelp.org

SMP (fraud prevention): 📞 866‑413‑5337 📧 shineinfo@aaaswfl.org 🌐 www.floridashine.org

To find an SMP in another state: 877‑808‑2468 or www.smpresource.org