Medicare for Snowbirds: How to Keep Coverage When You Live in Two States
Living in two states sounds like the best of both worlds—summers up north and winters down south. But for Medicare beneficiaries, this “snowbird” lifestyle introduces a unique set of health coverage challenges. Medicare wasn’t specifically designed for individuals splitting their time between two homes, but there are effective strategies to ensure continuous, comprehensive coverage.
This article explains how snowbirds can manage their Medicare benefits effectively, avoid coverage gaps, and make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Who Are Snowbirds?
Snowbirds” are typically retirees who migrate between colder northern states and warmer southern ones with the changing seasons—often living six months in each. Popular snowbird states include:
This bi-state lifestyle often means dealing with multiple health networks, providers, and pharmacies—making Medicare choices even more critical.
Understanding Medicare Basics
Before diving into snowbird-specific issues, here’s a quick refresher on the four parts of Medicare:
Each part plays a different role in how snowbirds access healthcare in various locations.
This article explains how snowbirds can manage their Medicare benefits effectively, avoid coverage gaps, and make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Who Are Snowbirds?
Snowbirds” are typically retirees who migrate between colder northern states and warmer southern ones with the changing seasons—often living six months in each. Popular snowbird states include:
- Northern Homes: New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois
- Southern Destinations: Florida, Arizona, Texas, California
Understanding Medicare Basics
Before diving into snowbird-specific issues, here’s a quick refresher on the four parts of Medicare:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient services, preventive services, doctor visits, and medical supplies.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers; may include extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Plan): Covers prescription medications, also offered by private insurers.
Challenges Snowbirds Face with Medicare
- Provider Network Differences: Not all doctors in your winter state may accept the same plans as in your summer state.
- Emergency Coverage Gaps: Limited access to urgent care if your plan only covers local networks.
- Pharmacy Restrictions: Not all pharmacies are “in-network” in both states.
- Mailing Address Conflicts: Medicare requires a permanent address on file, which can cause complications.
How Original Medicare Works Across States
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is administered by the federal government, meaning it’s accepted by any provider in the U.S. who accepts Medicare. This makes Original Medicare the most flexible option for snowbirds. You don’t have to worry about network restrictions or referrals.
However, Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs or out-of-pocket costs, which is where Part D and Medigap plans come in.
Tip: Look for Medicare Advantage PPO plans with a nationwide provider network or multi-state coverage agreements. Some large insurers like UnitedHealthcare or Humana offer plans specifically designed with snowbirds in mind.
Also, consider plans offering visitor/travel benefits or extended travel programs.
Most Part D plans use pharmacy networks, which may not be universal. Before choosing a plan, verify the network includes pharmacies near both your summer and winter homes.
You can switch Part D plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (October 15 to December 7), or if you change your primary residence.
However, Medigap doesn’t include drug coverage—so you’ll still need a Part D plan.
Note: If you move out of your Medigap plan’s service area permanently, you might have to switch or re-enroll. Always check your plan’s residency requirements.
You can change your address with Medicare via the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is administered by the federal government, meaning it’s accepted by any provider in the U.S. who accepts Medicare. This makes Original Medicare the most flexible option for snowbirds. You don’t have to worry about network restrictions or referrals.
However, Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs or out-of-pocket costs, which is where Part D and Medigap plans come in.
Using Medicare Advantage as a Snowbird
Medicare Advantage (Part C) can be tricky for snowbirds due to network limitations:
- HMO Plans: Require you to see in-network providers and get referrals—bad for out-of-state use.
- PPO Plans: Offer more flexibility to see out-of-network providers, often at a higher cost.
Also, consider plans offering visitor/travel benefits or extended travel programs.
Medicare Part D Considerations
Snowbirds must ensure their Part D (prescription drug) plan:
- Works with pharmacies in both states, or
- Offers a robust mail-order program
You can switch Part D plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (October 15 to December 7), or if you change your primary residence.
Supplemental Coverage (Medigap) Options
Medigap plans (Medicare Supplement Insurance) cover deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that Original Medicare doesn’t. These are standardized in most states and:
- Don’t restrict you to a network
- Work with any provider who accepts Medicare
- Provide great nationwide flexibility—ideal for snowbirds
Note: If you move out of your Medigap plan’s service area permanently, you might have to switch or re-enroll. Always check your plan’s residency requirements.
Managing Addresses and Residency
Medicare and insurers require a primary residence, which determines your eligibility for specific plans. Key points:
- Choose your official mailing address carefully—often your driver’s license, voter registration, or tax return address is used.
- Medicare plans (especially Part C and D) are zip code-based.
- Ensure you have proof of residence in the state associated with your selected plan.
Tips to Maintain Seamless Medicare Coverage
- Go With Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D
Best for flexibility and multi-state access. - Choose a PPO Medicare Advantage Plan
If you want to keep Part C, choose one with a wide network. - Keep All Documentation Handy
Carry a list of providers, medications, and insurance contacts. - Use Mail-Order Pharmacies
Reduces hassle when switching locations. - Coordinate Medical Records
Ask both providers to share your records across state lines. - Consider Telehealth Options
Many plans offer virtual doctor visits—great for snowbirds.
FAQs About Snowbirds and Medicare
Q: Can I have two Medicare Advantage plans in different states?
A: No. You can only have one Medicare Advantage plan at a time, and it must be based on your primary residence.
Q: What if I need emergency care while out of state?
A: Medicare covers emergency care nationwide. Medicare Advantage may cover emergencies out-of-network, but rules vary.
Q: Can I change my Medicare plan if I move temporarily?
A:You can’t change your plan just for travel. However, if your move qualifies as a permanent relocation, it may trigger a Special Enrollment Period.
Q: Will Medicare mail go to both homes?
A: No. Medicare uses your official SSA mailing address. Consider using a mail forwarding service if needed.
Final Thoughts
Snowbirds enjoy the best of both climates, but managing Medicare across state lines requires careful planning. The safest route for most is Original Medicare with a Medigap and Part D plan. However, some PPO Medicare Advantage plans can work if you verify out-of-network rules and access to care.
Be proactive about your healthcare—review your plan annually, talk to an agent who understands snowbird needs, and coordinate care across your seasonal homes. With the right approach, you can enjoy your snowbird lifestyle without compromising on healthcare.
Q: Can I have two Medicare Advantage plans in different states?
A: No. You can only have one Medicare Advantage plan at a time, and it must be based on your primary residence.
Q: What if I need emergency care while out of state?
A: Medicare covers emergency care nationwide. Medicare Advantage may cover emergencies out-of-network, but rules vary.
Q: Can I change my Medicare plan if I move temporarily?
A:You can’t change your plan just for travel. However, if your move qualifies as a permanent relocation, it may trigger a Special Enrollment Period.
Q: Will Medicare mail go to both homes?
A: No. Medicare uses your official SSA mailing address. Consider using a mail forwarding service if needed.
Final Thoughts
Snowbirds enjoy the best of both climates, but managing Medicare across state lines requires careful planning. The safest route for most is Original Medicare with a Medigap and Part D plan. However, some PPO Medicare Advantage plans can work if you verify out-of-network rules and access to care.
Be proactive about your healthcare—review your plan annually, talk to an agent who understands snowbird needs, and coordinate care across your seasonal homes. With the right approach, you can enjoy your snowbird lifestyle without compromising on healthcare.
