Movement, especially the transition to a new state, can be an overwhelming process. There are a million things to do, the smallest of which you want to think about how to handle your health insurance. However, you need to be covered in a new location, so here are a few things to consider when you have Medicare insurance and move into a new state:
- First of all, be aware that if you have a standardized Medicare Supplement (AJ) plan, you can keep the same plan at the national level and use it anywhere in the US that accepts Medicare. This is one of the biggest benefits of Medigap insurance and something to keep in mind when you move to a new state. You keep the same coverage without interruption and can contact any doctor who accepts Medicare. These plans are federally standardized, so Plan F in Tennessee coincides with Plan F in Georgia. Thus, if you have a Medigap plan, you probably will not have to change it during the transition.
- If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Part D plan, you will most likely have to change plans. Both of these types of plans work differently than Medicare Supplement plans. They work on a “service area” basis, so when you leave the service area, you need to get a new plan in your new service area. We recommend that you study this question at least one month before the planned date of the move, since it may take a long time to study the new plans in the new area (along with other obligations for the move). Keep in mind that your current company may still offer plans in a new state; however, in most cases you will have to go to the maintenance plan for this state.
- Your level of Medigap may be affected. Although you can keep your Medcare Supplement plan, the rates may change when you switch to a new state. For example, if you move from Virginia to Tennessee and the rates in Tennessee are higher than in Virginia, your premium may increase to match your new state premium.
