If you are enrolled in Medicare, moving to another state means navigating the healthcare system across state lines. It does not have to be stressful, but it may require some planning to keep your Medicare coverage intact while enjoying your new home. Here are some practical tips to help you make the transition as smooth as possible.
Understand Your Coverage and How It Works in the New State
How Medicare works in a different state will depend on whether you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):
- Original Medicare: This federal program will work anywhere in the country with any provider that accepts Medicare. If you have Original Medicare, you are mostly good to go for an out-of-state move. However, many purchase supplemental Medigap plans to help cover coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. In most states, you can keep your current Medigap plan when you move to another state. However, before the move, you must contact the private insurance company that provides the plan and inform that provider of your upcoming relocation. The insurer can tell you whether you can keep the same plan or enroll in another.
- Medicare Advantage Plan: These health plans are provided by private insurers, each with a specific network of doctors and hospitals. If you have Part C, your current plan may not cover your new state. You will need to find out if your insurance provider offers coverage in the new location, and if not, you may have to switch to a different plan.
Pay Attention to Enrollment Periods
Enrollment periods are specific times when you can make changes to a Medicare plan without penalty. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will have a Special Enrollment Period when you can change plans if you move to another state.
If you notify your insurance provider before you plan to move, you will have one month before the date of the move and two months following your moving date to switch plans. However, if you tell your provider about the move after the fact, your Special Enrollment Period begins the month you inform the insurance company and continues for two months after.
Missing enrollment deadlines could lead to gaps in coverage or late enrollment penalties. Note the timeline and act before you move to avoid any coverage issues.
Update Your Address with Medicare
Updating your address sounds like a simple step, but you may be surprised how many people forget to update their address with the Social Security Administration when they move. Medicare should have your new address on file to avoid billing, claims, or correspondence confusion. You can go online or phone the Social Security Administration to update your address. Be sure to also change your address with health insurance or prescription drug coverage (Part D) providers.
Be Informed and Stay Covered
Moving to another state does not have to interrupt your Medicare coverage, provided you keep track of deadlines, update your address, and research your new plan options. If you are unsure of any step, reach out to one of our friendly local agents. We are Medicare experts and can guide you through the transition.