Seeing Doctors in Two States or While Traveling With Medicare
With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor who takes Medicare anywhere in the U.S., so a second home in another state doesn't change that. With a Medicare Advantage plan, you may need to use doctors in the plan's network and service area for non-emergency care. Outside the U.S., Original Medicare generally doesn't cover care.
Original Medicare
Medicare.gov says that with Original Medicare you can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. For this rule, the U.S. includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. You may pay more if a doctor doesn't accept assignment.
Medicare Advantage Plans
| Plan type | Care away from home |
|---|---|
| Most plans | You may need to use doctors in the plan's network and service area for non-emergency care. Some plans cover non-emergency care out of network, but it may cost more. |
| HMO | Care generally comes from the plan's network, except emergency care, out-of-area urgent care and temporary out-of-area dialysis. |
If you move to an address outside your plan's service area, Medicare.gov says this can give you a Special Enrollment Period to change plans. Ask your plan, or 1-800-MEDICARE, what applies to you.
This guide explains how to find and check care. It can't tell you which doctor or treatment is right for you. Your doctor or plan can.
Outside the U.S.
Medicare.gov says Original Medicare generally doesn't cover medical care outside the U.S., and that you may be able to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy that covers emergency care abroad. Medicare Advantage plans generally don't cover care outside the U.S., but some offer an extra benefit for emergency and urgently needed services when traveling. Check with your Medigap company or plan before you go. Medicare also publishes a fact sheet on coverage outside the United States.
Finding a Doctor in Your Second City
- Look up doctors in that city on our lists, or on Medicare.gov Care Compare.
- If you have a plan, check the doctor in your plan's directory, or call the number on your card.
- Call the office and ask whether it is taking new Medicare patients, and how it handles patients who live there part of the year.
- Ask your home doctor's office to send your records to the new office.
For coverage questions, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Common Questions
Do I need a separate doctor in each state?
Medicare doesn't require it. Whether to see a doctor in each place is up to you and your doctors.
Will my plan cover a routine visit in my other state?
It depends on your plan's network and service area. Call the number on your card.
Does this site show doctors in every state?
Not yet. We release cities in stages.