So, you’re planning to move to another state. Perhaps it’s to be closer to your family, or because it’s your dream retirement location. Congratulations on entering this new chapter of your life!
If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you’ll need to take some steps to ensure your coverage makes as smooth a transition as you hopefully will. Exactly how you change Medicare coverage will depend on a few different factors.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
This one’s easy. Medicare Part A, hospital insurance, and Part B, health insurance and durable medical equipment, are referred to as Original Medicare. It will go wherever the beneficiary goes.
However, if you’re covered by a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, or Part C, or a prescription drug plan, Part D, you might have to drop your current coverage and sign up for a new plan.
Unlike Part A and Part B, Medicare Part C and Part D are geographic in nature.
Change Medicare Part C and Part D
If you move somewhere in your current plan’s network, you’ll be able to keep your MA and Part D. You’ll also have the option to enroll in or change MA or Part D plans. Finally, you can leave MA all together and resume Original Medicare coverage. (But be sure to buy a Part D plan to cover your prescription medications.)
Now, if you relocate outside of your existing plan network, things get a bit more complicated when it comes to changing Medicare coverage.
Not only do you lose your MA or Part D coverage, you must also enroll in a new MA plan; or choose Original Medicare and sign up for a Part D plan for the drug coverage.
Before you can change Medicare Advantage or Part D providers, though, you have to find out what the plan options are for beneficiaries in your new state.
Medigap
If you have Original Medicare, you can keep your Medigap policy if you move out of state. However, if you prefer to switch to a different Medigap policy, you should contact us to compare rates.
Special Enrollment Period
Moving to another state is an exciting chapter in a person’s life. For older Americans covered by Medicare, a move is considered a qualifying life event, giving enrollees a special enrollment period, or SEP, to change Medicare coverage. Call us to learn more.
Summary
The prospect of moving to a new state is exciting. People covered by Medicare may need or want to change Medicare coverage, based on Medicare rules and what plan options are available where they’re going.
Be sure to evaluate before you relocate. This way, you’ll know all your options and make an informed decision.
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