Snowbirds and Dual-Residency Considerations

Retirees who split their living arrangements between two states—often called “snowbirds”—face specific coverage challenges under Medicare Advantage. If you reside in Michigan for six months and Florida for six months, maintaining a Medicare Advantage plan tied to a single county can create significant coverage gaps during your months away. While Medicare Advantage plans must cover emergency care nationwide, they routinely classify non-emergency specialist visits, physical therapy, and routine checkups outside their primary service area as out-of-network or completely non-covered.

If you maintain dual residency or travel extensively throughout the year, Original Medicare combined with a standalone Part D drug plan and a Medigap policy typically provides far greater flexibility. Original Medicare follows you everywhere across the country, allowing you to seek routine and specialized care in multiple states without requiring out-of-network prior authorizations.