What moves with you
- Original Medicare (Parts A and B) — federal, works anywhere in the U.S. that providers accept Medicare. No change needed when you move.
- Most Medigap policies — generally portable to any state. Some Medigap insurers operate in fewer states than others; verify with your insurer. Ohio underwriting rules apply to new Medigap purchases after the move.
- Federal benefits — VA care, TRICARE, FEHB, and other federal coverage continue with the same federal rules.
What doesn't move with you
- Medicare Advantage plans — almost always county-specific. Moving to Ohio from another state, or even between Ohio counties, often means your MA plan no longer covers you. You'll need a new MA plan in your new county.
- Part D standalone plans — are sold by service area, which usually aligns with one or more states. Most Part D plans don't cross state lines, so moving to Ohio typically requires a new Part D plan.
- Plan provider networks — your old doctors aren't in your new Ohio MA plan's network. Plan to establish new providers.
Your Special Enrollment Period when moving
Moving triggers a Special Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D:
- If you tell your plan before you move: SEP starts the month before the move and runs for 2 months after.
- If you tell your plan after you move: SEP runs the month you tell them and 2 months after.
During this SEP you can: switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch Part D plans, drop MA and return to Original Medicare with a standalone Part D plan, or enroll in MA from Original Medicare.
Medigap and the Ohio underwriting reality
If you have an out-of-state Medigap policy and move to Ohio, you generally can keep that policy as long as the insurer offers Medigap in Ohio. But if you want to switch policies after the move, Ohio's medical underwriting rules apply — Ohio insurers can decline applicants or charge more based on health history outside of the initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period at 65 or certain specific guaranteed-issue triggers.
What to do when you move to Ohio
- Notify Social Security of your address change at ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213. This updates your Medicare records.
- Notify your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Get the SEP dates in writing.
- Use the SEP to choose a new MA or Part D plan available in your new Ohio county.
- Verify your new Ohio providers (PCP, specialists, hospital) before enrolling.
- Update your Medigap insurer with your new Ohio address.
- Update payment methods if your Part B premium is deducted from a bank account.
- Find your new local OSHIIP regional office for free Medicare counseling.
If you're a snowbird splitting time between Ohio and a warmer state
Your "primary" residence determines which state's Medicare Advantage or Part D plan service area applies. If you spend more than half the year in Ohio, Ohio is your primary residence. Some MA plans offer "visitor" or "travel" coverage for limited time in other states, but most do not. If you regularly split residences, Original Medicare + Medigap may be a better fit than MA because Original Medicare works nationally.