If a beneficiary moves out of the service area of their Medicare Advantage Plan, what may they need to do?

When a beneficiary moves out of the service area of their Medicare Advantage Plan, they may need to switch to a different plan or return to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans have specific geographical boundaries, and if a beneficiary relocates outside the service area, their current plan may no longer provide coverage, or they may not be eligible to continue their existing plan.

In this situation, the beneficiary is usually granted a Special Enrollment Period, which allows them to make necessary changes to their Medicare coverage without facing penalties or delays. This is crucial because maintaining access to health care services is important, and switching to a plan that operates in the new location ensures that they continue to receive care.

Other options suggest maintaining the same plan or making a switch only under certain conditions, which does not align with the immediate need for a beneficiary to adapt to a change in residence that affects their coverage eligibility.