What to Do with Medicare When You Move Out of State
Moving States Can Be Stressful Enough, Don’t Let Medicare Add To It
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Moving Out of State with Original Medicare
Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) are classified as federal healthcare programs. They do not utilize specific provider networks. What this means for you is that the benefits provided under these plans remain the same throughout the U.S., regardless of the state you actually live in. Therefore, if you are moving out of state, you will not be required to make changes to Original Medicare. You will, however, need to change your address with Medicare, though.
Switching Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D when Moving Out of State
If you have Medicare Advantage (MA), or Plan C in place of Original Medicare, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare separate from the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from the Special Enrollment Periods (SEP). This is applicable whenever you move out of your plan’s service area. You can also make adjustments to your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) under the SEP if switching between coverage areas. To make those adjustments, contact Medicare.gov, your healthcare provider, or a 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 still have your Medicare coverage when moving to another state as long as you continue to stay enrolled in Original Medicare. Medigap plans are standardized health plans that do not rely on a certain network of doctors or specialists making them available to use at any hospital or doctor’s office across the nation that accepts Medicare.
Medigap plan prices do depend on the state, so there may be a chance your plan price could increase or decrease after moving. It is important to note that if you wish to switch to a different Medigap plan you will probably need to go through medical underwriting. This means you will have to answer a series of health questions in which the carrier can either accept or deny coverage to you based on your answers.
Timeframe for Making Changes Without Penalty
Medicare offers a special enrollment period for beneficiaries to make alterations to their Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage when making the move to a new location that is outside of yourr 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.”
Here’s what you need to know in order to avoid paying a Part D penalty. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us directly anytime, for free, at (888) 352-6672 and we will make sure you understand all of the nuances involved.
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A licensed insurance agent from our team will contact you to discuss your Medicare options.
