Does Original Medicare work in every state?

Yes. Original Medicare covers care from any provider in the U.S. who accepts Medicare.

Will my Medicare Advantage plan cover me up north?

Emergency and urgent care are covered anywhere in the U.S. Routine care outside the plan's service area depends on the plan, so check for travel or out-of-network benefits.

Which address should I use for Medicare?

Use your permanent residence. Your plan options, service area and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) pricing are based on it.

How do I fill prescriptions in two states?

Look for a drug plan with network pharmacies in both states or mail-order service, and plan refills ahead of travel.

Does Medicare cover me outside the U.S.?

In most cases Original Medicare does not cover care outside the U.S. Some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies and some Medicare Advantage plans include limited foreign travel emergency coverage.

Medicare for Snowbirds: Florida & Another State

Medicare for Snowbirds: Splitting Time Between Florida and Another State

Original Medicare works with any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare, so it travels with you. Medicare Advantage plans usually have local networks, so care in your other state may be limited to emergencies and urgent care unless the plan offers travel or out-of-network benefits.

Editorial note: Figures on this page reflect the 2026 Medicare program year and are cross-referenced against the official Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) publications. Always confirm current numbers before making enrollment decisions.

Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy

Original Medicare has no networks: you can see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy follows the same rule, which is why many people who split their year choose this combination.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies are priced based on where you live, so the state you list as your home address matters.

Medicare Advantage

Most plans have a service area and a provider network based on your permanent address.
Emergency and urgent care are covered anywhere in the U.S.
Routine care in another state may not be covered, or may cost more, unless the plan offers a travel or visitor benefit or out-of-network coverage.
If you move your permanent home out of the plan's service area, you generally get a Special Enrollment Period to change plans.

Prescription drugs (Part D)

Check whether your plan has network pharmacies in both states.
Ask about mail-order delivery so you can get refills wherever you are.
Ask your doctor about a longer supply before you travel.

Things to decide before you choose

Which state is your permanent residence.
Where your doctors are, and whether you'll need routine care in both places.
How many months you spend in each state.

Medicare Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) to get information on all of your options. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.

Medicare for Snowbirds: Splitting Time Between Florida and Another State

Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy

Medicare Advantage

Prescription drugs (Part D)

Things to decide before you choose

Frequently asked questions

Does Original Medicare work in every state?

Will my Medicare Advantage plan cover me up north?

Which address should I use for Medicare?

How do I fill prescriptions in two states?

Does Medicare cover me outside the U.S.?

Related Medicare topics

Original Medicare

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Medicare Advantage

Scott Black provides personalized Medicare education to help you better understand your options.