Key Takeaways
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Moving to a new address in 2025 can affect your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. In many cases, you may be required to choose a new plan that operates in your new service area.
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You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if your move impacts your Medicare coverage, but deadlines apply, and missing them can result in coverage gaps or limited options.
Why Your Address Matters More Than You Think
While Medicare is a federal program, many parts of it depend heavily on where you live. If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), your benefits generally stay the same regardless of location. But if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, these are administered by private insurance companies that operate regionally. That means a move could require a change in plans.
Even a move within the same state can trigger changes in your Medicare coverage, especially if your new ZIP code falls outside your plan’s service area. Understanding how your move interacts with Medicare rules can help you avoid penalties or gaps in coverage.
How Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans Are Tied to Your ZIP Code
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans vary by county and ZIP code. These plans are built around local networks of healthcare providers and pharmacies. If you move outside your current plan’s service area—even to a neighboring county—it may no longer be available to you.
Here’s how your current Medicare coverage may be impacted:
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Medicare Advantage (Part C): Typically limited to specific counties or ZIP codes. If your new address is outside your current plan’s service area, you’ll likely need to choose a new plan.
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Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans): Also region-based. Some states have multiple regions, each with different plan offerings.
What Happens to Your Current Plan If You Move
When you move, your current plan won’t follow you if you’re leaving its service area. In fact, your current plan may automatically disenroll you if you don’t notify them of your move and take action to enroll in a new plan.
If you’re enrolled in:
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Original Medicare only: You can take your coverage with you, but may want to reconsider any Medigap or supplemental policies, which could also vary by state.
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Medicare Advantage or Part D plan: You may be disenrolled unless you actively choose a new plan in your new service area.
It’s essential to notify your current plan and Medicare as soon as you know your new address.
You Likely Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Moving to a new address qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), but this SEP has a limited duration. Missing this window could leave you without prescription or health coverage until the next Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7).
Timeline for SEP due to a move in 2025:
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If you notify your plan before the move: Your SEP begins the month before the move and continues for two full months after the move.
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If you notify your plan after the move: Your SEP starts the month you notify them and runs for two full months after that.
During this period, you can:
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Enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan.
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Switch to a different Part D drug plan.
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Return to Original Medicare if preferred.
Things to Double Check Before You Move
Before packing up, make sure you’ve reviewed these important Medicare-related factors:
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Will your doctors be in-network at your new location?
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Will your medications still be covered under available Part D plans in your new area?
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Are there any new Medicare Advantage plans in your destination ZIP code that better meet your needs?
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Do local plans offer extra benefits or have higher/lower out-of-pocket costs?
Not all plans offer the same coverage. Some may have more generous dental, vision, or transportation benefits, while others might have tighter provider networks.
What If You Move Within the Same County?
Even if you move within your current county, you might still need to report the address change. Some plans operate in limited ZIP code areas within a single county. A new address might qualify you for different plans or affect your costs and provider options.
You should still:
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Report your new address to Medicare.
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Confirm with your current plan whether the move impacts your eligibility.
It’s always better to be proactive than discover a gap in coverage when you need care.
Moving to a Different State Has Additional Implications
If you’re moving across state lines, the impact can be greater:
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Medigap policies (Medicare Supplement Insurance) may not be transferable in the same way across all states. Some states have different rules about guaranteed issue rights.
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Medicaid coordination: If you’re dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, your Medicaid benefits will not transfer. You’ll need to reapply in your new state and may have different benefits or income/asset limits.
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Provider networks will likely change, and your current doctors may not be accessible.
Planning ahead can help minimize disruption in your care.
If You Live Abroad or Temporarily Move
Living abroad or traveling for extended periods doesn’t entitle you to Medicare coverage in a foreign country. Medicare generally does not pay for healthcare outside the United States, except in limited situations.
If you’re temporarily moving to a different U.S. location (like staying with family for several months):
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Check whether your current plan offers visitor or travel benefits within the U.S.
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Confirm whether any telehealth services are available to maintain continuity of care.
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Keep your primary residence address up to date with Medicare and your plan.
How to Update Your Address with Medicare
Once your move is confirmed, update your address:
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Through your Social Security account at SSA.gov.
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By calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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By notifying your current plan directly if you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage or Part D.
Don’t assume your address automatically updates across all systems. Each step matters to maintain uninterrupted coverage.
What to Do If You Miss Your SEP Window
If you miss your Special Enrollment Period and are disenrolled from your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you may need to:
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Wait until the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) to re-enroll.
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Pay the full cost of prescription drugs or services during the gap.
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Possibly incur a Part D late enrollment penalty if you go without creditable prescription drug coverage for more than 63 days.
Contacting a licensed agent listed on this website can help clarify your options and avoid unnecessary costs.
Planning a Move Doesn’t Have to Derail Your Coverage
While moving adds complexity to your Medicare plan, knowing the right steps and acting promptly helps ensure your coverage remains active and aligned with your healthcare needs.
If you’re thinking about relocating in 2025, now’s the time to check your plan’s service area, learn about options in your destination ZIP code, and be aware of your enrollment windows.
To get expert help comparing available Medicare plans in your new area, reach out to a licensed agent listed on this website. A short conversation can save you from coverage confusion later.
