When you move abroad, you should disenroll from and stop paying premiums for your Medicare Advantage Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, Medicare Private Health Plan, or Medicare Managed Care Plan, allows you to get Medicare coverage from a private health plan that contracts with the federal government. All Medicare Advantage Plans must offer at least the same benefits as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), but can do so with different rules, costs, and coverage restrictions. Plans typically offer Part D drug coverage as part of Medicare Advantage benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans, Special Needs Plans (SNPs), and Medicare Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs). Plan or stand-alone prescription drug plan ( Part D Part D, also known as the Medicare prescription drug benefit, is the part of Medicare that provides prescription drug coverage. Part D is offered through private companies either as a stand-alone plan, for those enrolled in Original Medicare, or as a set of benefits included with a Medicare Advantage Plan. ). You are not eligible for these plans because you live outside the plan service area The service area is the geographic area where a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan provides medical services to its members. In many plans, the service area is where your network of providers is located. , and your coverage must end if you live outside of the United States. It is your responsibility to notify your plan that you are moving.
If an MA Plan was responsible for administering your Parts A and B coverage, you may want to continue paying the Medicare Part B premium after your disenroll. This will ensure that you have Medicare coverage without penalties or gaps if you return to the U.S.
If you enroll in Medicare for the first time when abroad, you will enroll in Original Medicare Original Medicare, also known as Traditional Medicare, is the fee-for-service health insurance program offered through the federal government, which pays providers directly for the services you receive. Almost all doctors and hospitals in the U.S. accept Original Medicare.  Parts A and B, as Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D plans require you to live within the plan service area. If you move back to the U.S., you will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to join an MA Plan or Part D plan. Your SEP begins the month before your move and lasts up to two months after the month you move. For example, if you move back to the U.S. in April your SEP is March through June.
If you decide to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan once you return to the U.S., make sure to select the plan that works best for your drug and health care needs. If you need help finding Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool. Remember that you must inform the plan you choose of your address in the U.S. so they can confirm you are eligible to enroll.