What changes, and what doesn't
| Coverage | After a permanent move to Florida |
|---|---|
| Part A and Part B | No change. Same coverage and premiums. |
| Ohio Medicare Advantage plan | Ends; choose a Florida plan or Original Medicare during the Special Enrollment Period |
| Ohio standalone Part D plan | Ends; choose a Florida Part D plan in the same Special Enrollment Period |
| Medigap | Generally keep it; switching policies may mean health questions |
| Ohio Medicaid, MSP, MyCare Ohio | End; apply for Florida's programs |
The Special Enrollment Period comes from 42 CFR 422.62(b)(2), for people who can't stay in their plan because they moved out of its service area. Medicare.gov says it begins the month before you move if you tell your plan in advance, or the month you move, and continues for 2 full months after.
Moving checklist
- Change your address with Social Security. Medicare.gov says that's how you update your official address with Medicare, even if you don't get Social Security benefits. Use my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213.
- Tell your Ohio plan your move date. That opens your Special Enrollment Period a month early.
- Pick Florida coverage. Compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for your new Florida ZIP code, or choose Original Medicare with Part D.
- Decide on Medigap. Keep your current policy, or use a guaranteed-issue right if you're leaving Medicare Advantage because of the move.
- Handle Medicaid. Report the move to your Ohio county Job and Family Services office and apply in Florida.
- Update providers and pharmacies with your new address and coverage.
Wintering isn't moving. If Ohio stays your permanent home, you keep Ohio plans, but a Medicare Advantage plan must disenroll you after more than 6 months away unless it offers a visitor or traveler option.
Moving the other way? See moving to Ohio with Medicare. More in our guide for Ohio snowbirds. To compare plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
Ohio or Florida for Medicare?
Your home state decides.
Does Ohio Medigap work in Florida?
Keeping Medigap in any state.
Can I keep my Ohio plan in Florida?
For winters, not moves.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.62, Election of coverage under an MA plan
- Medicare.gov — How do I change my address with Medicare?
- Medicare.gov — Choosing a Medigap Policy (moving; guaranteed issue)
- Ohio Administrative Code 5160:1-1-01 — Medicaid residence
More questions in this guide
- Can I fill prescriptions in Florida with my Ohio Part D plan?
- Can I keep my Ohio Medicare Advantage plan if I spend winters in Florida?
- Does my Ohio Medicare work in Florida?
- Does an Ohio Medigap policy work in Florida?
- Should snowbirds sign up for Medicare in Ohio or Florida?
Part of the guide: Ohio snowbirds and Medicare: spending winters in Florida · All questions
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't pick a new Medicare Advantage plan after moving?
Medicare.gov says that if you move out of your plan's service area and don't join a new plan during the Special Enrollment Period, you're enrolled in Original Medicare when your old plan drops you. If your old plan had drug coverage, you'd need a Part D plan.
Can I buy Medigap without health questions after moving?
If you leave a Medicare Advantage plan because you moved out of its area and go to Original Medicare, you have a federal guaranteed-issue right to buy certain Medigap policies, up to 63 days after that coverage ends.
Does my Ohio Medicaid move with me?
No. Ohio Medicaid and Ohio's Medicare Premium Assistance Programs require Ohio residency. Apply in Florida after you move and tell your county Job and Family Services office in Ohio.
Medicare in your Ohio county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Franklin · Cuyahoga · Hamilton · Summit · Montgomery · Lucas · Butler · Stark · Lorain · Warren · Delaware · Lake · Mahoning · Clermont · Trumbull · Licking · Medina · Greene · Fairfield · Portage · All 88 counties →
