What happens to my Medigap plan if I move to another state?

Asked by: Roscoe Roob  |  Last update: January 22, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (17 votes)

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.

What is the 6 month rule for Medigap insurance?

You have the right to purchase a Medigap policy for 6 months if you move out of the area served by your Medigap plan. For example, if you bought a plan while living in another state that will not cover you in your current state, you have 6 months to replace that plan.

Are Medigap plans state specific?

All Medigap policies are standardized. This means, policies with the same letter offer the same basic benefits no matter where you live or which insurance company you buy the policy from. There are 10 different types of Medigap plans offered in most states, which are named by letters: A-D, F, G, and K-N.

Do Medicare supplements work out of state?

If you're enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare), and/or Medicare supplement insurance, these plans will cover you anywhere in U.S. as long as the health care provider accepts Medicare.

Can I get Medigap if I move?

If you move within California but outside of the Medigap plan's service area, you have the right to buy Medigap policies A, B, C, F, (including high deductible F), K or L from any company that sells them.

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42 related questions found

Do I have to notify Medicare if I move?

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.

Can I see a doctor in another state with Medicare?

There are no network restrictions; you can see any provider that accepts Medicare.

Are all Medigap plans accepted everywhere?

The short answer is “No”. However, if a doctor accepts Medicare itself, which is your primary coverage, then they will also accept your Medigap plan, regardless of what company sold you the plan or which Medigap plan you have. The key thing to remember is that Medigap plans “follow” Medicare.

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.

What states are guaranteed issues for Medigap?

State laws can provide further protections, but only four states— Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and New York—require either continuous or annual guaranteed issue protections for Medigap for all beneficiaries in traditional Medicare ages 65 and older, regardless of their medical history.

What is the downside to Medigap plans?

There are a couple of cons to consider before choosing a Medigap plan: Premiums: Medigap premiums can be pricey. Coverage: Medicare Supplement plans don't cover everything, so you'd still have to pay out of pocket for things like dental care, vision care and long-term care.

Why was the Medigap plan I discontinued?

Medigap Plans E, H, I, and J, including high-deductible Plan J, were dropped. Preventive Care benefits were dropped from all Plans because Medicare now covers many of these benefits. Home Recovery benefit was dropped from all Plans due to underuse.

What 3 states allow year round enrollment in Medigap?

The four states with year-round open enrollment are:
  • New York.
  • Connecticut.
  • Vermont.
  • Washington.
  • Oklahoma.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

But there are trade-offs. Medicare Advantage plans often have a limited network of hospitals and physicians. And while the premiums are typically low, enrollees could end up paying more in the long run in copays and deductibles if they develop a serious illness.

What percentage of seniors have Medigap plans?

About 34% of Medicare beneficiaries in California have a medigap plan. So... roughly a 1/3rd of Medicare eligible people.

Can you use Medigap in any state?

You can keep your current Medigap policy no matter where you live, as long as you still have Original Medicare.

What is the best supplemental health insurance for seniors?

"Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield. These companies stood out based on plan types offered, premiums, discounts, complaint rates and nationwide availability."

Do Medigap premiums increase with age?

Attained-age-rated: Premiums are initially based on your age when you purchase a policy, and they increase as you get older (meaning you pay a different price at age 65 than you do at age 70). These premiums may be the lowest when you first buy them, but they are generally the most expensive over your lifetime.

How to move Medicare from one state to another?

If you're moving out of state, you should contact Social Security to update the mailing address that Medicare has on file for you. You can do so in the following ways: Visit the Social Security website, ssa.gov, to update your information online.

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.

What is the two midnight rule for Medicare Advantage?

The two-midnight presumption directs medical reviewers to select Original Fee-for-Service Medicare Part A claims for review under a presumption that hospital stays that span two midnights after an inpatient admission are reasonable and necessary Part A payment.

Do I need a new Medicare card if I move to another state?

Yes and no. 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.

Is Medigap the same as Medicare supplement?

The front of a Medigap policy must clearly identify it as “Medicare Supplement Insurance.” It's important to compare Medigap policies, because costs can vary. The standardized Medigap policies that insurance companies offer must provide the same benefits.

Which states allow you to change Medicare supplement plans without underwriting?

Medigap state variation

Five states (California, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, and Oregon) have “birthday rules” that allow Medigap enrollees a 30-day window following their birthday each year when they can switch, without medical underwriting, to another Medigap plan with the same or lesser benefits.