Michigan winters are legendary, but they also bring unique challenges for seniors. Whether you are packing your bags for a warmer climate or bracing for the next lake-effect snowstorm, the team at Clear Benefit Solutions wants to ensure your Medicare plan is working as hard as you are.
Here is what you need to know about navigating health, safety, and wellness during the coldest months of the year.
1. Snowbirding 101: Does Your Medicare Travel With You?
As the temperatures drop, many Michiganders head south to Florida, Arizona, or Texas. But before you hit I-75, it’s vital to understand how your coverage changes once you cross the state line.
- Original Medicare & Medigap: If you have Original Medicare (Parts A & B) paired with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you generally have the “gold standard” for travel. You can see any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare, meaning your routine check-ups in Scottsdale are covered just like your appointments in Grand Rapids.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): These plans are often network-based. While all Medicare Advantage plans must cover emergency and urgent care anywhere in the U.S., they may not cover routine care (like a standard physical or skin screening) outside of Michigan.
- The “Six-Month Rule”: Most Medicare Advantage plans require you to live in your service area for at least six months of the year. If you stay away longer, you risk being disenrolled.
Pro Tip: If you’re a frequent traveler, talk to us about PPO plans or Medigap options that offer more flexibility for out-of-state care.
2. Winter Safety: Avoiding the “Michigan Slip”
Icy sidewalks and black ice are major hazards in West and Southeast Michigan. A single fall can lead to significant setbacks, but Medicare is there to help you recover.
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME): If a fall occurs—or if you simply feel less steady on the ice—Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost for medically necessary equipment like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, provided your doctor prescribes them.
- Physical Therapy: If you do experience an injury, Medicare covers outpatient physical therapy to help you regain your strength and balance. There is no longer a “limit” on how many sessions you can have, as long as your doctor confirms the therapy is medically necessary.
- Local Help for Snow Removal: Did you know that some local resources can help you keep your driveway clear? The Area Agency on Aging (such as AAA of Western Michigan) often connects seniors with “chore services” or local millage-funded programs that provide snow removal for those who can no longer do it safely themselves.
3. Beat the Winter Blues: Mental Health Resources
The “Grey Skies” of a Michigan January can take a toll. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and isolation are common, but your Medicare benefits include robust support for your mental well-being.
- Annual Depression Screenings: Medicare Part B covers one depression screening per year at no cost to you, as long as your doctor accepts assignment. It’s a simple questionnaire that can be the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
- Outpatient Therapy: Medicare covers individual and group psychotherapy with licensed professionals. In 2026, many of these services are also available via telehealth, so you don’t have to drive on icy roads to speak with a counselor.
- Staying Social with SilverSneakers: One of the best ways to fight the winter blues is to stay active. Many Medicare Advantage plans include a SilverSneakers membership. If you don’t want to go to the gym, they offer live virtual classes (Yoga, Cardio, and Balance) that you can join from your living room to stay connected with a community.
Your Local Medicare Partners
At Clear Benefit Solutions, we live and work right here in Michigan. We know the local hospital networks and the specific challenges our winters bring.
Are you unsure if your current plan covers your winter travel or wellness needs? Contact us today for a free plan review. We’ll make sure you have the right coverage to stay protected all winter long.