Movin’ with Medicare

Welllll doggies! If you're planning a move to a new state—or even just across the county line—you might feel a little like loading up the truck and heading off for a brand-new life. But unlike Granny's rocking chair, your Medicare plan doesn’t always travel so easily.  Let’s take a front-porch-friendly look at what happens to your Medicare coverage when you change your address, and how to make sure your plan doesn’t get left behind in the dust.

“Y’all Come Back Now, Ya Hear?” — Not Exactly How Medicare Plans Work

If you’re in a Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription Drug Plan, those plans are location-based. That means if you move out of the plan’s service area, your coverage can’t follow you.  Here’s what you need to know:

• Medicare Advantage plans are typically based on your county.

• Part D plans can be based on your state or multi-state region—but they still may not work where you're headed.

Moving out of your plan’s service area qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)—a fancy way of saying you get extra time to pick a new plan.

Timing is Everything - Your SEP depends on when you let your plan know about your move:

• If you notify them before your move:

  Your SEP starts the month before you move and runs for two months after.

• If you notify them after you move:

  Your SEP starts the month you notify them and lasts for two more months.

👉 Either way, don’t just toss your plan a postcard from your new porch swing—let them know as soon as possible!

During this SEP, you can:

• Switch to a new Medicare Advantage Plan in your new service area

• Or return to Original Medicare and apply for a Medigap (Supplement) and a Part D drug plan

Note: Even moving from one county to another within the same state could trigger an SEP. Yes, even if you’re just moseyin’ down the road a piece.

What About My Medigap Plan? Can It Ride in the Truck Bed?

If you’ve got a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, things are a little more flexible—but don’t assume it’ll be smooth sailin’. Here’s what to expect:

• You usually don’t need to switch Medigap plans when you move.

• But—you do need to notify your plan.

• Some insurers let you keep your original rate based on where you applied. Others might adjust your premium to reflect your new ZIP code.

What About Pre-Existing Conditions?  If you’re switching Medigap plans, most states allow insurers to:

• Ask health questions

• Charge more

• Or even deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

But not all states play by the same rules. Some states, like New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, let you apply for a Medigap policy any time regardless of your health (though you might face a short waiting period if you haven’t had continuous coverage).

When Do You Have Guaranteed Issue Rights?

In most states, insurers aren’t required to sell you a new Medigap plan just because you moved.  BUT… you may qualify for guaranteed issue rights if:

• You’re leaving the Medicare Advantage Plan’s service area and returning to Original Medicare

• Your current insurer stops offering your plan

In those cases, you can apply for a Medigap plan without answering health questions. That’s a pretty sweet deal—almost as good as Granny’s moonshine medicine (but safer).

Moving may be a big change, and a bit stressful, whether you're heading for high rises or just a quieter place with fewer stairs, there’s no need to navigate it alone. Give me a call. I’ll help you sort it out—no possum stew required.  631-337-3625

Movin with Medicare