I am planning to move later this year to be closer to my family. I have lived in the same state for decades, so I am a little nervous about how this might affect my Medicare coverage. Will I need to change plans or take any special steps to avoid gaps?

Moving to a different state can be an exciting adventure, but it is smart to think ahead about how it could affect your Medicare coverage. Whether your Medicare is impacted depends on the type of plan you have. Here is what to expect and the steps to take before and after your move.

Original Medicare

If you are enrolled in original Medicare (Part A and Part B), your coverage will go with you anywhere in the United States. This means you will not need to change your plan when you move. You should, however, update your address so you do not miss important notices like your Medicare Summary Notice or billing statements. The easiest way to update your address is online through your “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov/myaccount. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visit in person and request them to update it for you.

Part D drug coverage

If you have original Medicare along with a stand-alone Part D drug plan, your move may require a change. Drug plans are based on where you live, so you will need to contact your current plan to see if it operates in your new state.

If it does not, you will need to choose a new plan that does. You are given a special enrollment window to make this switch which starts the month before your move and lasts up to two full months afterward. If you miss that window, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7), and you could face a late enrollment penalty if you go without qualifying drug coverage.

Advantage plans

Medicare Advantage plans are also location-based, so a move almost always means you will need to take action. Check with your plan to see if it serves your new area. If it does not, you will need to enroll in a new Advantage plan or switch to original Medicare.

Like Part D, you will have a special enrollment period that begins the month before you move and continues for two months after. If you move outside your plan’s service area and do not pick a new plan, your current plan will eventually disenroll you, and you will be placed back into original Medicare.

To compare plans available in your new location, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare, which lets you review both Advantage and Part D options side-by-side.

Medigap

If you have original Medicare and a Medigap policy, you generally will not need to switch plans when you move. These policies are standardized nationwide, meaning a Plan G in one state offers the same basic benefits in another. However, you should notify your insurer of your new address. Keep in mind that, while your coverage stays the same, your premium might change depending on your new ZIP code.

Medicare Select, a type of Medigap plan that uses provider networks, is an exception. These plans are not very common but, if you have one of these, you may need to switch plans when you relocate.

A move does not have to disrupt your Medicare, but it pays to plan. Update your address and, if you have a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan, review your coverage and make any needed changes on time.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.