How long do I have to change my Medicare plan after I move?
Asked by: Miss Lavada Lindgren DVM | Last update: November 24, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (3 votes)
What is the 7 month rule for Medicare?
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – The 7-month period when someone is first eligible for Medicare. For those eligible due to age, this period begins 3 months before they turn 65, includes the month they turn 65, and ends 3 months after they turn 65. Coverage begins the month after a person signs up during their IEP.
How does moving affect my Medicare?
If you move to a new city that is outside of your plan's network, you will lose your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. In this case, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you either have to enroll in a new plan or opt to return to Original Medicare and also enroll in a Part D plan.
Do I have to let Medicare know that I moved?
Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you move
If you're moving, you should contact Social Security to update the mailing address that Medicare has on file for you. Medicare works with SSA to maintain your records and you don't want to miss any important notifications.
Is it too late to change my Medicare prescription plan?
Your Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) , sometimes called the Fall Open Enrollment Period, runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. During this time, you may make changes to your Part D plan or switch to a new one.
When Can I Change My Medicare Part D Plan?
Is there a grace period to change Medicare plans?
You'll have 2 months to join a plan or switch to another plan. There are other events that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. If you think you have an exceptional circumstance that isn't listed on this page call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Is there a penalty for switching Medicare plans?
There is no penalty for switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare. And, if you decide you want to switch again, there's also no penalty to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage. You can switch between the two types of coverage as many times as you want.
Does changing your address at Social Security change your address at Medicare?
Medicare works with SSA to maintain your records, so sometimes you have to contact SSA to update your information. If you have Medicare, even if you don't get Social Security benefits, you still contact SSA to update your address with Medicare.
Can I see a doctor in another state with Medicare?
There are no network restrictions; you can see any provider that accepts Medicare.
Do I have to change my Medicare supplement plan if I move?
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 Medigap insurance company about your options.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?
Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.
Can you have Medicare in two states?
While you can only enroll in Medicare in one state – your principal residence where you hold a driver's license, file taxes, and vote, etc. – you may still have access to Medicare coverage in both states depending on the following factors.
Will I lose my Medicaid if I move?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, with each state having its own eligibility rules. This means you cannot keep your Medicaid plan when you move to a new state. Medicaid eligibility depends on your income, your assets, and the level of care you need.
What is the 21 day rule for Medicare?
You pay nothing for covered services the first 20 days that you're in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). You pay a daily coinsurance for days 21-100, and you pay all costs beyond 100 days. Visit Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get current amounts.
Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
What is the 2 2 2 rule in Medicare?
Introduced in the Fiscal Year 2014 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Final Rule, the two-midnight rule specifies that Medicare will pay for inpatient hospital admissions when a physician reasonably expects the patient's care to require a stay that crosses two midnights, and the medical record supports this ...
How long does it take to switch Medicare from one state to another?
For both Part D and Medicare Advantage, moving out of a plan's service area qualifies you for a special enrollment period (SEP) of at least two months to get a new plan. You may also qualify if you move within your plan's service area but there are different plan options in your new location.
Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?
Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.
Do I need to let Medicare know if I move?
Plans That Vary from Area to Area or That May Require You to Use an In-Network Provider. If you have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, you need to notify the Social Security Administration of your change of address, but you won't need to change plans just because you're relocating.
Do I need to notify Social Security when I move?
Let us know when details about your personal situation change. This includes things like getting a new job, getting married, and moving to a new home. How much money you make, your living situation, your family, and various other personal details affect the Social Security benefits you get every month.
How do I notify Medicare of my new address?
- Update your information in your my Social Security account using the My Profile Tab. (This is the fastest way to update your information)
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
- Visit your local Social Security office.
How long do I have to change my Medicare plan?
Annual Election Period (AEP)
If you are not new to Medicare, you can typically only join, switch or leave an MA plan at certain times of the year. One of these times is the Annual Election Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7. Plan changes are effective January 1 of the following year.
What is the biggest disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage Plan Pros And Cons
One disadvantage is that some Medicare Advantage plans may offer fewer options when it comes to doctors and hospitals, as they may have smaller plan networks than Original Medicare.
Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?
Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).