If you are relocating to a new state, you may wonder if you need to make changes to your current Medicare coverage. The answer depends on the type of coverage you have. In some instances, your plan can be used in your new state, and in other scenarios, you may be required to take action when you move.
I am Enrolled in Original Medicare and Moving Out-of-State!
If you are moving out-of-state and you are currently enrolled in Original Medicare, you don’t need to alter your coverage. Original Medicare doesn’t have provider networks, and you can utilize any hospital or doctor throughout the nation that accepts Medicare. If you’re moving out-of-state, we recommend contacting Social Security to update the mailing address that is on file. You can do so in the following ways:
- Visit the Social Security website to update your information. If you have an account, you can login to update your address.
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users, dial 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM.
- Visit your local Social Security office to alter your new information.
I have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan and am Moving Out-of-State!
In most situations, you can stay with your current Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan even when moving out-of-state. Since premiums vary from state to state, you may see a premium adjustment on your current Medicare Supplement (Medigap) when you move.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) benefits can be used to cover costs from any provider that takes Medicare, regardless of the state that you are in. Additionally, you may decide to change to a different Medigap plan offered in your new state, but it is important to remember that if you don’t have guaranteed-issue rights, you may pay a higher premium for new coverage. Furthermore, you may be declined new coverage if you have pre-existing health problems.
Lastly, you may have the option to purchase a Medigap plan with guaranteed-issue rights if you were enrolled in Medicare Part C and are moving out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area.
I have a Medicare Advantage Plan/Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and am Moving Out-of-State!
If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Prescription Drug plan, and are moving outside of your Medicare plan’s service area (either to a new location within your state or to a new state altogether), you will need to enroll in a plan within your new service area.
It is important to note that when you move out of your plan’s service area or to a new state, you have a Special Election Period (SEP) to make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug plan. You can utilize your SEP to switch to a different Medicare Prescription Drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan.
Here at CORE Insurance Advisors, we can help take some of the confusion out of moving to a new state or a new service area.
Do you have any questions about your Medicare plan? Are you moving to a different state? We can answer all your questions and help you find the right Medicare plan for you. Contact us today at 877-404-8060!
