Moving and Medicare: What You Need to Know
By Erica Beaudry | Medicare Advisor
Published in Northampton Living | October 2025
Moving to a new home can be exciting, but if you have Medicare, there are a few important things you need to take care of. Your coverage might be affected depending on where you move and the type of Medicare plan you have. This article will help you understand what steps to take to keep your Medicare benefits running smoothly.
Understanding What Type of Medicare You Have and What to Do
There are two main types:
• Original Medicare (Parts A and B):
This is federal coverage and usually stays the same no matter where you live in the U.S. If you’re on Original Medicare only, your coverage won’t change when you move. However, you will want to update your address. Notify Social Security of your new address to make sure you continue to get important mail by visiting ssa.gov, by calling 800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Drug Plans (Part D):
These are offered by private insurance companies and may vary by location. If you have Medicare Advantage or a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan, your move might mean you need to change your plan. These plans are based on where you live. If you move outside of your plan's network, you either have to enroll in a new Part C plan based in your new ZIP code or opt to return to Original Medicare and enroll in a Part D plan.
Due to your move, you will have a Special Enrollment Period. You can switch plans up to one month before your move and up to two months after your move. Try not to wait – changing your plan early helps avoid gaps in coverage.
The Role of Medigap
If you have a Medigap policy, you don’t have to switch, but you might be able to if you want. In general, you can keep your current Medigap policy no matter where you live, as long as you still have Original Medicare. If you want to switch to a different Medigap policy, you’ll have to check with the insurance company about your options. You may have to pay more for a new policy and answer some medical questions if you decide to switch outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
We’re Here to Help
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful when you have Medicare. Just make sure to plan ahead, notify the right people, and review your coverage. Taking these steps ensures you’ll continue to get the care and benefits you need – wherever you go.
Erica Beaudry
Medicare Advisor
413 626 9906
info@eafinancialsolutions.com
eafinancialsolutions.com
If your head feels like it is spinning after reading this, don’t worry. Take the headache out of understanding Medicare by working with a professional like me who will help you sift through all the details that come with coverage and enrollment.
Independent Medicare specialists do not work for the insurance carriers. Instead, we provide an independent, unbiased view of insurance options available to seniors and Medicare recipients at no cost. We focus on Medigap, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans. Our service to you doesn’t end when you enroll in a plan. We live in your community and are here to answer your questions year-round.
I can be reached via email at info@eafinancialsolutions.com or by phone at 413-626-9906.
Disclaimer: I do not work for and I am not affiliated with Medicare.
Other Articles in This Issue…
