Moving to Florida and Medicare: What You Need to Do When You Relocate
Moving to Florida triggers important Medicare decisions -- especially if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. Here is exactly what to do with your Medicare coverage when you move to the Sunshine State.
Moving to Florida and Medicare: What You Need to Do When You Relocate
Florida is one of the top retirement destinations in the country -- and thousands of Medicare beneficiaries move here every year. Whether you are relocating from another state or moving within Florida, your Medicare coverage may need to change. Here is exactly what to do.
Step 1: Update Your Address with Social Security
Your Medicare records are tied to your Social Security record. When you move, update your address with Social Security as soon as possible:
- Online: ssa.gov
- By phone: 1-800-772-1213
- In person: Your local Social Security office
Updating your address ensures your Medicare correspondence, Medicare Summary Notices, and any checks are sent to the right place.
Step 2: Determine Whether Your Current Plan Works in Florida
Original Medicare + Medigap: If you have Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement, your coverage works anywhere in the United States that accepts Medicare. You do not need to change plans when you move -- simply find Florida doctors who accept Medicare.
Medicare Advantage: MA plans are geographically restricted. If you move outside your current plan's service area, your plan will not cover non-emergency care in Florida (except emergency and urgently needed care).
Part D: Part D plans are also geographically based. Your current plan may or may not be available in your new Florida ZIP code.
Step 3: Use Your Special Enrollment Period (If Needed)
Moving permanently to a new address outside your MA plan's service area triggers a Special Enrollment Period:
- Window: 2 months before your move through 2 months after
- What you can do: Enroll in a Florida MA plan, or return to Original Medicare and enroll in a Part D plan
Act promptly: Don't wait until after you move to research Florida plans. Start comparing options before your move so coverage is in place on day one.
Step 4: Compare Florida Medicare Plans
Florida has one of the most competitive Medicare markets in the country -- dozens of MA plans and Part D plans are available in most counties.
Use Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare. Enter your new Florida ZIP code and your medications to compare:
- Available MA plans and their costs
- Part D plans and drug costs
- Plan star ratings
Consider Medigap: If you currently have MA and are moving to Florida, this is an excellent time to evaluate whether Medigap might be a better fit. Florida has many Medigap insurers competing for your business, often resulting in competitive premiums.
Step 5: Find Florida Medicare Providers
Finding doctors: Use medicare.gov/care-compare to find Medicare-enrolled doctors in your new Florida community. If you are enrolling in an MA plan, use the plan's provider directory to find in-network physicians.
Transferring medical records: Contact your current doctors to request copies of your medical records before you move. Having your records available helps your new Florida doctors provide continuity of care.
Specialty care: If you have ongoing relationships with specialists, ask for referrals to Florida colleagues and request that your records be forwarded.
Florida Medicare Considerations
Large senior population: Florida's large Medicare population means most doctors and hospitals are very familiar with Medicare billing and accept Medicare assignment.
SHINE counseling: Florida's free SHINE Medicare counseling program can help you compare plans and navigate your options after your move. Call 1-800-963-5337.
Snowbirds: If you split time between Florida and another state, Original Medicare with Medigap provides the most flexibility -- coverage works in both states without network restrictions.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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About the Author
William Gray
Independent Medicare BrokerUS Air Force Veteran · Florida Medicare Specialist
William Gray is an independent Medicare insurance broker based in Daytona Beach and Palm Coast, FL. A US Air Force veteran (A-10 crew chief, Germany), he spent years in corporate insurance before going independent to serve Florida seniors directly. He has helped more than 1,000 clients across Northeast Florida compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans — always at no cost to the client.
