Snowbirds & Medicare: What to Know When You Live in Two States

A Seasonal Guide from Beuttel Insurance

At a Glance

If you spend part of the year in one state and the other half somewhere sunnier, it’s important to make sure your Medicare plan fits your lifestyle.
Here’s what this article covers:

• What Medicare covers nationwide — and where limits may apply.
  
  
• How Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap work when living in two states.
  
  
• What to know about your primary residence and how it affects coverage.
  
  
• Tips to avoid surprises with pharmacies, emergency care, or plan networks.
  
  
• How to plan ahead before the next Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15–Dec. 7).

The Basics: What Medicare Covers Anywhere in the U.S.

If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you’re already in good shape. You can see any doctor or visit any hospital that accepts Medicare in the U.S.—no referrals, no network restrictions. Coverage stays the same across all 50 states and U.S. territories.

However, if you’ve added a Medicare Advantage plan, a Part D drug plan, or Medigap (Supplement Insurance), your coverage might vary depending on where you’re spending the season.

Medicare Advantage (Part C): Check Your Network

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and usually serve specific regions. These plans often require you to use in-network doctors and hospitals, and some require referrals for specialists.

If you spend part of the year in another state, a plan that works well here in California may not cover routine care when you’re out of the area—or could charge higher out-of-network rates.

Questions to ask before you travel:

• Is your plan a PPO (which may include out-of-network options) or an HMO (which usually doesn’t)?
  
• Are both your home and travel locations within the plan’s service area?
  
• How does your plan handle routine care outside your home state?
  

Prescription Drug Plans (Part D): Pharmacy Access Matters

Part D plans have pharmacy networks, and not every local pharmacy in another state may be included in your plan.

To stay covered while you’re away:

• Consider a plan with nationwide pharmacy access or mail-order delivery.
  
• Confirm your prescriptions are covered in both locations.
• Review your plan’s formulary (drug list) each year during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15–Dec. 7).

Medigap (Supplement Insurance): Great for Travelers

Your Primary Residence Still Matters

Even if you live in two states, Medicare requires one primary residence for your records—typically your address for taxes, your driver’s license, and voter registration.

If you make a permanent move, you’ll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to switch to plans that fit your new home base.

Emergency Coverage

No matter where you go, Medicare always covers emergency and urgent care anywhere in the United States.

If you have Medicare Advantage, review what your plan considers an “emergency” or “urgent” visit—some plans define these differently, and it’s best to know before you go.

Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind

At Beuttel Insurance, we believe preparation leads to peace of mind. If you split your time between your primary residence and another state, we’re here to help ensure your coverage travels with you.

Schedule your AEP review today and let’s make sure your Medicare plan fits your lifestyle—no matter where the season takes you.  Reach out to our office, or schedule right on our calendar.