Is Medicare determined by where you live?

Asked by: Larry Bins  |  Last update: October 8, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (12 votes)

A federal agency called the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services runs Medicare. Because it's a federal program, Medicare has set standards for costs and coverage. This means a person's Medicare coverage will be the same no matter what state they live in.

Does Medicare depend on where you live?

Medicare costs by zip code

The federal program that's Original Medicare, costs the same no matter your state. But Medigap and Medicare Advantage plan options will change depending on your location. Some states have a higher cost of Medigap than other states, and some zip codes offer $0 Medicare Part C options.

How does your zip code affect your Medicare benefits?

Zip Codes and Original Medicare Benefits

Original Medicare, or Medicare Parts A and B, is not affected by what zip code you live in. Traditional Medicare benefits are the same for everyone who is enrolled in the program. Additionally, your monthly Medicare premiums are not affected by where you live.

How is residency determined for Medicare?

You must enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) only in the state in which you primarily reside. Your primary residence is where you live most of the time. This will be the state where you hold your driver's license, register to vote, and file taxes.

Is Medicare criteria the same from state to state?

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is a federal program so your coverage, costs and benefits will not be different from state to state. Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and Medigap plans are available through private insurers. These optional Medicare plans are regulated by each state and tend to vary.

Is Medicare Usable in Any State?

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How does Medicare work across states?

If you have Original Medicare, you have coverage anywhere in the U.S. and its territories. This includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Most doctors and hospitals take Original Medicare.

What happens to my Medicare Part D if I move to another state?

If you have a Medicare Part D plan and move out of state or outside of the plan's service area, you will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) in which you can enroll in a new plan. But you must notify your plan that you are moving.

What are the 3 requirements for Medicare?

Original Medicare (Part A and B) Eligibility and Enrollment
  • Age 65 or older.
  • Disabled.
  • End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

How to live part time in two different states?

Legally, you can have multiple residences in multiple states, but only one domicile. You must be physically in the same state as your domicile most of the year, and able to prove the domicile is your principal residence, “true home” or “place you return to.”

How do you qualify to get $144 back from Medicare?

To qualify for the giveback, you must:
  1. Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
  2. Pay your own premiums (if a state or local program is covering your premiums, you're not eligible).
  3. Live in a service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

Does your zip code determine how long you live?

People living just a few blocks apart may have vastly different opportunities to live a long life. Unfortunately, significant gaps in life expectancy persist across many United States cities, towns, ZIP codes and neighborhoods. The latest estimates of life expectancy reveal differences down to the census tract level.

What ZIP codes get extra Social Security benefits?

Social security benefits are not impacted by geographic location but other federal benefits are.

How does Medicare work if you live in two states?

If you're a dual resident of two states, Medicare will generally provide coverage wherever you choose to live within the United States. Medicare coverage generally extends to the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands).

What happens to my Medicare if I move?

Medicare Part A and Part B will always travel with you. But for Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and Part D prescription drug plans, you may lose your existing plan and need to enroll in a new one.

Can Medicare patients go anywhere?

You can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. To help pay your out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare (like your 20% coinsurance), you can also shop for and buy supplemental coverage.

Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan if I move?

You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage when certain events happen in your life, like if you move or you lose other insurance coverage. These chances to make changes are called Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs).

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Long-Term Care. ...
  • Most dental care.
  • Eye exams (for prescription glasses)
  • Dentures.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Why would someone not have Medicare Part B?

A person does not have to sign up for Medicare Part B when they turn age 65, providing they have creditable insurance coverage. Creditable coverage provides at least the same coverage level as Medicare, and people usually obtain it through an employer.

Am I eligible for Medicare if I never worked?

Medicare Eligibility for People Who've Never Worked? Regardless of your work history, you are eligible for Medicare at age 65 (or younger in some cases) if you're a U.S. citizen.

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 tell Medicare if I move?

When you move and have Original Medicare, the process is fairly easy — you just need to notify the Social Security Administration of your new address. You can use any hospital or doctor that takes Medicare wherever you live in the U.S.

Can you have just Medicare Part A and D?

If you are eligible for Medicare coverage, you are also eligible for the Medicare drug benefit (Part D). You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B to enroll in Part D. Medicare drug coverage is only available through private plans.