The short answer
Medicare Advantage is county-specific.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) works nationwide; a move doesn’t disrupt it. Medicare Advantage plans are county-specific and must be changed when moving out of a service area. A move triggers a Special Enrollment Period lasting ~3 months. Sequence the plan change with the physical move to avoid coverage gaps.
Original Medicare is portable
Parts A and B work the same in every state.
Medicare Advantage requires a plan change
Special Enrollment Period: 1 month before through 2 full months after the move.
The sequence that works
8–12 weeks before: research plans. 4–6 weeks before: confirm specialist network. Move date: update SSA. 0–4 weeks after: enroll.
Key takeaways
- Original Medicare is portable; MA is county-specific.
- Moving triggers a 3-month SEP.
- Sequence: research 8–12 weeks ahead, confirm network, enroll in SEP window.
- Missing the window creates coverage issues.
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