Medicare covers dual residence. With Part A and Part B, you can travel anywhere within the United States and still be covered, as long as you choose providers who accept Medicare. This is good news for anyone planning to spend part of the year in one state and part of the year in another. Whether you are in Florida or Michigan, any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare will honor your benefits. Medicare does not cover the care you receive outside of the country.

Coverage Area

All 50 states

The District of Columbia

Puerto Rico

The Virgin Islands

Guam, American Samoa

The Northern Mariana Islands

Medicare Supplement

Like Medicare, Medicare Supplement does not rely on service networks, and as long as the doctor or hospital you choose accepts Medicare, you’re covered. As a senior with homes in two states, you can travel freely with the peace of mind and confidence that when you need medical care, you can get it and your plan will be applied. If you are a dual resident considering coverage, be sure to compare policies offered by each state to learn about any differences that may impact your benefits.

Part C and Part D

For Medicare Part C and D, the rules for out-of-state coverage are different and your plan may not cover your care while you travel within the United States. With many plans, you need to be a permanent resident of the state where you originally enrolled and you must live in the service area of your plan. In some cases, you can receive out-of-network care, but it will likely cost you more money. In addition, your plan may have specific rules you need to follow, such as needing prior authorization before receiving care that can impact your coverage. With all Medicare plans, Medicare, Medicare Part C, and Medicare Supplement, you are covered in any state if you need emergency medical care or urgent care out of network.

References:

https://www.medicare.gov/supplement-other-insurance/when-can-i-buy-medigap/switching-plans/switch-medigap-.html#collapse-2514

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/decide-how-to-get-medicare/original-medicare/how-original-medicare-works.html#collapse-3111

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