Medicare Open Enrollment is closed, but during the first quarter of the year, you can still enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan - or switch your Medicare Advantage plan to one that allows you to live overseas.

Ron Elledge is the expert / guide I rely on for all things Medicare when living overseas.

Ron's book is titled Medicare Made Easy: What Expats, Frequent Travelers, and You Need to Know and is available thru the International Living bookstore: [ Ссылка ]

You can contact Ron through his website: [ Ссылка ]
See the first video with Ron: [ Ссылка ]

0:00 - Introduction
0:49 - Medicare Advantage Plans for Expats
2:03 - January Enrollment Period - Changing Medicare Advantage Plans
4:07 - Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans
7:22 - Regulations and Training for Selling Medicare Advantage Plans
10:14 - Comparison of Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement Plans
18:25 - Coverage and Availability of Medicare Advantage Plans
23:13 - Maintaining Residency in the US for Medicare Advantage Plans
31:27 - Special Enrollment Periods for Medicare Advantage Plans
38:03 - Initial Enrollment for Medicare Advantage Plans
39:25 - Transitioning from Employer Coverage to Medicare Advantage Plans

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The Mexico Relocation Guide is the perfect resource for moving to Mexico. We've partnered with them and you can get the guide here: [ Ссылка ]


The annual enrollment period for Medicare Advantage ends in December; however, there is another opportunity to make changes to your plan. In January, there is an open enrollment period called "Medicare Advantage open enrollment period" (MAoEP). During this three-month period (January to March), individuals who have a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different plan or return to original Medicare and join a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan.

This is especially significant for expats who may have realized that their current Medicare Advantage plan doesn't meet their needs while living overseas. This open enrollment period allows individuals to explore and switch to advantage plans that offer better coverage for their international lifestyle.

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C plans, are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans combine the benefits of Parts A and B (original Medicare) and often include prescription drug coverage (Part D) as well.

One of the misconceptions about Medicare Advantage plans is that they are less reliable than original Medicare or supplemental plans. However, according to Ron Elledge, customer satisfaction ratings for both types of plans are consistently high.

When selecting a Medicare Advantage plan, it's crucial to consider your specific needs as an expat. This includes the coverage you require while living overseas and the availability of doctors or healthcare providers in your location. Many Advantage plans offer coverage outside of the US, but it's important to review their evidence of coverage to ensure it aligns with your needs.

If you frequently travel within the US, consider advantage plans that allow you to access in-network doctors across the country. While some plans may have limitations on coverage outside of their service areas, others have expanded their network to provide out-of-network coverage. Take time to research and find a plan that suits your lifestyle and location.

To be eligible for Medicare, you must establish residency in the US, with the intent to continue living within its geographic limits. Maintaining a valid US mailing address is often the primary requirement for residency, as stated by Social Security. Medicare and Social Security go hand in hand, and any changes to your address with Social Security will affect your Medicare coverage.

While living overseas, you must follow certain guidelines to maintain your US residency. You should retain a US mailing address, maintain relationships with family and friends in the US, and maintain financial ties, such as a US bank account and filing US income taxes. These actions demonstrate your intent to maintain your US residency.

It's worth noting that you don't need to physically reside in the US for a minimum period of time as long as you don't spend more than six months out of the country without a strong indication of maintaining your US residency. However, if you plan to be out of the country for an extended period, it's essential to understand the limitations and potential implications.

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