Frequently Asked Questions About Moving with Medicare

Can I keep my Medicare Advantage plan if I move to a new city in the same state?

It depends entirely on county service area boundaries. If your new city falls within your current plan’s designated county service area, you can keep your plan. However, if you cross county lines into an area where your carrier does not offer that specific plan, you must switch plans using your Special Enrollment Period.

Do I need to request a new Medicare card when I update my address?

No. Your red, white, and blue Medicare card displays your unique Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), not your physical residential address. As long as you update your mailing address with Social Security, your existing Medicare card remains fully valid nationwide.

What happens to my Medicare coverage if I move into an assisted living facility or nursing home?

Moving into or out of a qualified long-term care facility or nursing home triggers a continuous Special Enrollment Period. This allows you to join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan at any point while living in the facility, plus two full months after you move out.

Will my Part B premium change when I move to a higher-cost state?

No. Standard Part B premiums are established at the federal level and remain identical regardless of which state you live in. However, higher-income beneficiaries pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which depends on household income reported on federal tax returns, not geographic location.