What to do with Medicare when Moving out of State?

Jan 13, 2021 General, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Enrollment, Medicare Supplements

Relocating can be an exciting and stressful time. With so much to take care of for a big move, it’s easy for small details to get lost in the mix. Don’t let your healthcare coverage be one. If you are considering moving to a different state, it is important to know that your Medicare coverage and costs can differ in each state. Transferring Medicare to another state is easy, but you will need to know which plans remain the same and which plans will need to be shifted over to your new state of residency. Let’s take a look.

Moving Out of State with Original Medicare

Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) are federal healthcare programs. They do not use specific provider networks. What this means for you is the benefits provided under these plans remains the same throughout the U.S., regardless of the state you live in. Therefore, if you are moving out of state, you will not need to make changes to Original Medicare. You will, however, need to change your address with Medicare.

Switching Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D if Moving Out of State

If you have Medicare Advantage (MA), or Plan C, in place of Original Medicare, You will be able to switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare outside of the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) under the Special Enrollment Periods (SEP). This applies whenever you move out of your plan’s service area. You can also make changes to your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) under the SEP if switching coverage areas. To make those changes, contact Medicare.gov, your healthcare provider, or your local independent insurance agent.

Switching Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans Out of State

In most cases if you have a Medicare supplement (Medigap) plan you’ll be able to keep your coverage when moving to another state as long as you stay enrolled in Original Medicare. Medigap plans are standardized health plans that do not rely on a specific network of doctors or specialists making them available to use at any hospital or doctor’s office nationwide that accepts Medicare.

Medigap plan prices do vary state by state so there may be a chance your plan price could increase or decrease once you move. It is important to note, if you wish to switch to a different Medigap plan you will most likely need to go through medical underwriting. This means you will have to answer series of health questions in which the carrier can either accept or deny coverage based on your answers.

Timeframe for Making Changes without penalty

Medicare offers a special enrollment period for beneficiaries to make changes to their Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage when moving to a new location that is outside of their current Medicare coverage area. According to Medicare.gov:

“If you tell your plan before you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month before the month you move and continues for 2 full months after you move.

If you tell your plan after you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month you tell your plan, plus 2 more full months.”

Help with Transferring Medicare to Another State

Moving can be hectic. Don’t let the stress of transferring Medicare to another state burden you. We can help. Our team of licensed insurance agents can help you compare rates and options in your new area. Contact us to discuss your options for Medicare when moving out of state.