Moving with Medicare? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you are moving to a new state with Medicare, you may wonder how it will affect your current coverage and if you will need to change plans. That answer depends on the type of Medicare coverage that you currently have. Below, we will break down the different situations that you are likely to encounter when you are moving to a new address.
If You Have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Original Medicare coverage is not affected when Medicare beneficiaries move to another state. Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B let you visit any doctor or hospital across the nation that accepts Medicare. Most healthcare providers around the nation do accept Medicare. To find a medical provider near your new home, you can use the Physician Compare tool at Medicare.gov. Just remember to fill out a change of address form when moving to your new area.
If You Are Enrolled in a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plan
Most states make it easy to keep your Medigap plan as long as you remain enrolled in Part A and Part B. It is crucial, however, to contact the provider of your current plan for Medicare Supplement insurance to inform them that you are moving out of state and to learn more about your options.
Medigap Concerns for Residents of Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin
These three states do not carry the same ten standardized plans as the rest of the United States. Therefore, if you move to or from these states, then you may not be able to keep the same Medigap plan.
In this case, you have the opportunity to apply for a different Medigap plan in your new, different state. You must undergo a health exam, however, and the insurer you choose may not accept your application. Then, once you have been accepted into a new plan, you can try it out for 30 days with no commitment, and you can switch plans if you find that you are not completely happy with the Medicare Supplement plan that you have chosen.
Do You Have Medicare SELECT?
If you have a Medicare SELECT Medigap policy and are moving out of that policy’s service area, then you can enroll in a different Medigap plan. Additionally, if you have been enrolled in Medicare SELECT for more than 6 months, you will enjoy a grace period during which you can choose a health insurance plan without undergoing a health exam.
If You Have a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Prescription Drug plan…
If you have a Medicare Prescription Drug plan (Medicare Part D) or Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) and move to a new location, you may qualify for a Special Election Period if:
You are no longer living in your Medicare plan’s service area (such as if you have an HMO or PPO)
OR
You are moving to an area with additional plan options available
If you immediately notify your plan about your upcoming move, then your Special Enrollment Period will last from one month before the move to three months after it. During this period, you can switch to a new Medicare Advantage or a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug plan (Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage), or you can return to Original Medicare, even if it’s not the standard Open Enrollment Period. You will not have to worry about medical underwriting during this time.
Moving to Another State with Medicare Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
At My Medigap Plans, our professionals will help you navigate the Medicare system and find the best coverage options for your needs. If you have any more questions about what happens to your Medicare coverage if you move states, then please contact us today!
We can also help you if you are preparing to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B for the first time and are interested in signing up for a new Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare Supplement plan or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan through one of the best Medicare Supplement insurance companies.
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