Reviewed by Scott Lewis, licensed insurance agent · Last reviewed August 27, 2026
Original Medicare generally travels with you inside the United States, but a move can affect Medicare Advantage and Part D availability because those plans have service areas. Notify Social Security of your address change and contact your plan before the move.
Before you move
- Tell your current plan. Ask how the new address affects the service area and what Special Enrollment Period dates apply.
- Update Social Security. Medicare uses the address Social Security has on file.
- Compare plans at the exact new address. Bend and Redmond are in Deschutes County; Prineville is in Crook County; Madras is in Jefferson County. Options can differ by county.
- Check St. Charles, Summit Health, and every clinician. Confirm the exact plan, facility, and individual provider.
- Recheck every prescription. Formularies, tiers, prior authorization, and preferred pharmacies can change.
Questions for seasonal residents
If Bend or Sunriver is one of two homes, ask how routine care works outside the plan's local area, how long you live at each address, and which address Medicare and the plan treat as your permanent residence. Do not select an address only to gain plan access.
Your move folder
- ✓ Medicare card
- ✓ Current plan card
- ✓ New Central Oregon address
- ✓ Moving date
- ✓ Providers and clinics
- ✓ Prescriptions and pharmacies
- ✓ Current coverage notices
- ✓ Plan call confirmation numbers
After you have the new address, use the local provider-network guide and Medicare Plan Compare. Oregon SHIBA also provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling at 800-722-4134.
Sources and verification
We use primary sources and link to the current page so you can verify details before making a coverage decision.
- What to do with Medicare if you move — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Medicare Plan Compare — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance — Oregon Department of Human Services