Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage for Snowbirds
Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage for Snowbirds
For retirees who divide their time between two states — the classic “snowbirds” — choosing the right Medicare coverage isn’t just about benefits. It’s about freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind wherever you spend the season. Pick the wrong plan, and you could find yourself without coverage in your winter or summer home.
So which Medicare option really works best for snowbirds? Let’s take a closer look.
There are two main paths: Original Medicare with a Medigap plan or Medicare Advantage (Part C). Each handles provider access and travel very differently.
Original Medicare + Medigap (plus a Part D drug plan) offers nationwide coverage. As long as a doctor or hospital accepts Medicare, you’re covered — whether you’re in Florida, Michigan, or anywhere in between. That kind of flexibility is hard to beat. It’s no wonder that, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, roughly 43% of Medicare beneficiaries choose Original Medicare with supplemental coverage.
Medicare Advantage, by contrast, usually relies on local provider networks. Most plans work best if you stay within a defined area. Spend part of the year out of state, and you may face limited access or higher out-of-network costs. Some PPO options cover you outside the network at a higher rate, while many HMOs only cover emergencies away from home.
That said, Medicare Advantage plans often come with extra perks — dental, vision, hearing, and wellness benefits — that many retirees value. As of 2023, nearly half of all Medicare enrollees were in Advantage plans, according to CMS.
For snowbirds, the decision usually comes down to one key question:
👉 Do you value the freedom to see any provider nationwide, or are you comfortable with a smaller network that offers extra benefits?
Pro Tip: Before enrolling, compare provider access in both your home state and your seasonal destination — and ask your agent to explain what happens if you go out of network.
Want to make sure your Medicare plan fits your snowbird lifestyle? Let’s talk. We’ll help you find coverage that works for you — no matter the season.
