The Snowbird's Guide: Medicare Coverage When You Live in Two States

Millions of retirees head south for the winter -- escaping the cold for warmer weather in Florida, Arizona, Texas, or the Carolinas. But here's the question most snowbirds don't ask until it's too late: does my Medicare coverage work the same way in my winter state? The answer depends entirely on which type of Medicare you have. Let's break it down.

Does Medicare Work in Other States?

• Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Yes -- it works anywhere in the U.S. at any provider that accepts Medicare
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): It depends. Most MA plans use local provider networks tied to your home address
• If you have an HMO-style Advantage plan, you may have very limited coverage outside your service area
• PPO-style Advantage plans generally offer some out-of-network coverage, but at higher costs
• Emergency and urgent care are covered nationwide by all Medicare plans, but routine care is the issue
• Your plan's service area is based on the address where you live most of the year

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage for Snowbirds

• Original Medicare is the most snowbird-friendly option -- no network restrictions, no service area limits
• Pair it with a Medigap plan and a Part D drug plan for comprehensive, portable coverage
• Medicare Advantage plans can be problematic if you spend months in a different state
• Some Advantage plans are designed for travelers (multi-state PPOs), but they're less common
• If you have an Advantage plan, check whether your winter-state doctors are in-network before you leave
• Switching from Advantage to Original Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period is always an option

How to Find Doctors in Your Winter State

• Use Medicare.gov's "Find a Provider" tool to search for Medicare-accepting doctors by ZIP code
• Ask your current doctors if they can recommend providers in your winter area
• If you're on a Medicare Advantage PPO, use your plan's online directory to find in-network providers
• Establish care with a primary doctor in your winter state before you actually need one
• Bring copies of your medical records, medication list, and insurance cards when you travel
• Telehealth is an increasingly useful option for routine follow-ups while away from home

Prescription Refills Away From Home

• Original Medicare Part D plans work at any pharmacy in the Part D network nationwide
• Most major chains (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) are in-network for most Part D plans
• Mail-order pharmacy is a convenient option for 90-day supplies you can have shipped anywhere
• Medicare Advantage plans with built-in drug coverage may have more limited pharmacy networks
• Ask your pharmacist to transfer prescriptions to a location near your winter home
• Refill medications before you leave so you're not scrambling on arrival

Tips for Dual-State Living

• Keep your legal residence (and Medicare plan address) in the state where you live more than 6 months
• Notify your Medicare plan if you change your permanent address -- it can affect your coverage options
• Make sure your Medigap and Part D plans are active and up to date before you travel
• Carry your Medicare card, plan ID card, and a list of medications at all times
• Know the nearest hospital and urgent care center in your winter location
• Consider whether your current plan truly fits your snowbird lifestyle -- it may be time to reassess

Need Help?

Being a snowbird should be about enjoying the best of both worlds, not worrying about whether your doctor's visit will be covered. At Insuras Health Benefits, we specialize in helping snowbirds find Medicare plans that work across state lines -- no gaps, no surprises.

Heading south this winter? Contact us for a free coverage review before you go. We'll make sure your Medicare follows you wherever the sunshine takes you.