Health Coverage for Snowbirds: Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Your Drugs

Medicare.gov says that with Original Medicare you can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. (including the territories). You may pay more if a doctor doesn't accept assignment. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy works alongside it.

With a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare.gov says you may need to use doctors and providers in the plan's network and service area for non-emergency care. Some plans cover out-of-network care, but it may cost more.

If you spend months away, call your plan and ask: Is my winter area in your network? Do you have a travel or visitor benefit? How long can I be away before it affects my enrollment? Get the answers in writing or note the date and representative.

• Ask your drug plan which pharmacies near your winter address are in-network or preferred.
• Ask whether mail order can ship to your seasonal address, and how far ahead to order.
• Ask about a vacation supply if you'll be somewhere without an in-network pharmacy.
• Keep a current medication list with doses and prescriber contacts with you.

Medicare.gov says that in most situations Medicare won't pay for care you get outside the U.S., with limited exceptions. Some Medigap policies and some Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency care abroad. Check before you travel, and consider travel insurance.