How does Medicare coverage work if I move or live in two states?

Some parts of Medicare stay the same when you move. Other parts may need to change, depending on the type of plan you have.
 

What stays the same

• Original Medicare (Parts A and B) works the same in every state.
  You can use it anywhere in the U.S. with any provider who accepts Medicare.

What may change

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans
• Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plans

These plans are based on local service areas and ZIP codes. If you move, your current plan may not be offered in your new area.
 

If your plan isn’t available where you move

• You may need to choose a new plan
• You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to make changes
  (often up to two months after your move)

Important next step

You should report your change of address to Social Security. Medicare uses your Social Security record to update your information and show plan options in your new area.

Most people have a 60-day Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
 

This window usually starts: 
 

• When you move
• Or when you tell Medicare about your move

 Act early to avoid gaps in coverage. 

Learn more about Medicare enrollment periods

Moving can bring a lot of changes, and it’s important to know your Medicare options in your new area. Start by entering your new ZIP code to see which Aetna® plans are available where you live now. There isn’t one MAPD plan that works for everyone, but comparing a few key details can help you find an option that fits your needs.

When looking at plans, it can help to:

• Check which Aetna plans are available in your new ZIP code
• Review Aetna drug lists and prescription costs for the medications you take
• Check Aetna pharmacy networks so you know where you can fill prescriptions
• Make sure your doctors are included in the Aetna plan’s provider network
• Learn about out‑of‑network costs and how they work with your Aetna plan
• Look at additional benefits, like dental, vision and hearing coverage
• Check Star Ratings to see how plans compare for quality and member experience

Yes. You should report your move and update your address.

Wondering how to transfer Medicare coverage to another state? Or how to complete a Medicare change of address?

• You must update your info with Social Security. Medicare uses the address you have on file with Social Security.
• If you move, you’ll need to update your address with Social Security online, by phone or in person.
• Help keep your Medicare coverage accurate by notifying Social Security at SSA.gov.

What to do next

Update your address as soon as you can. This helps you make sure the plans you see are accurate. This can also help prevent delays or gaps in coverage.

Find Aetna Medicare plans with drug coverage in your state

Medicare plans can work differently for different people. For some, an Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO plan may be a good option. This is because they give you more flexibility to get care in both places.

Before enrolling in an Aetna plan, it’s a good idea to make sure it fits how and where you get care.

You may want to check:

• Are your doctors and specialists covered in both states?
• How do out‑of‑network costs work with this plan?
• Are the pharmacies you use part of the plan’s network?

Taking a few minutes to look over these details can help you choose coverage that better fits your needs.  

When you live in more than one state, managing prescriptions can take a little extra planning. Some Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO plans include features that may help with this.

Depending on the plan, this can include:

• Access to a national pharmacy network
• Mail‑order options that let you get prescriptions delivered
• Tools to help you check Aetna drug coverage before you travel

These options may help you stay on track with your medications, even when you’re away from home.

Find Aetna plan pharmacies available in both states

If you need care from a Medicare doctor or specialist in more than one state, Medicare plan type matters.

Medicare PPO plans may:

• Allow you to see specialists without referrals
• Cover out-of-network care, often at a higher cost

PPO Medicare Advantage plans usually offer the most flexibility.

Medicare HMO plans may:

• Require you to use local networks
• Often need referrals
• May not work well across states

Medicare Advantage PPO plans usually offer the most flexibility, while Medicare HMO plans can be more limited.

What about specialist costs?

• Original Medicare:
  See a specialist anytime, no referral needed. After your deductible, you usually pay 20% of the cost.
• Medicare PPO plans:
  You usually don’t need a referral. You pay less when you see an in‑network provider. PPO plans may also offer national coverage, so you can pay in‑network costs when you see a contracted Aetna PPO provider anywhere in the U.S.
• Medicare HMO plans:
  Referrals are often required. Care is usually limited to your local network, and out‑of‑network care may not be covered unless it’s an emergency.