Does Moving Affect Your Medicare

Does Moving Affect Your Medicare Coverage? Here’s What You Need to Know

Moving to a new city or state can be an exciting adventure, but it also brings about important considerations, especially concerning your Medicare coverage. Whether you are relocating across town or across the country, understanding how your Medicare plan is impacted is crucial for maintaining continuous health coverage. This guide will walk you through how moving affects your Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D drug plans.

Notifying Social Security and Medicare

Before diving into plan specifics, the first step when you plan to move is to inform Social Security and Medicare about your change of address. This can be done easily through the official websites, medicare.gov and ssa.gov. Keeping your address updated is vital to ensure you continue receiving important information and coverage benefits.

Impact on Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, operate within specific service areas, usually defined by county. If you move outside your plan’s service area, your current plan will be discontinued. In this scenario, you have two primary options:

1. Enroll in a New Medicare Advantage Plan: You can select a new plan available in your new location.
2. Switch to Original Medicare: Opt for Original Medicare and supplement it with a Medicare Supplement Plan through a guarantee issue, which means no health questions are asked. This option is available for Plan F if you became eligible before January 1, 2020, and Plan G if after.

Changing Plans Timeline:

• Before Moving: If you notify your plan before moving, the window to switch starts a month before your move and extends for two months afterward.
• After Moving: If you inform your plan post-move, the window begins the month you notify them, plus two additional months.

Medicare Supplement Plans: A Seamless Transition

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, such as F, G, or N, offer more flexibility as they are not limited by service areas and pay secondary to Medicare. When you move, you simply need to inform your insurance carrier of your new address. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, you won’t be dropped or required to switch plans. However, your premiums might adjust based on your new location. Shopping around for competitive rates is advisable, and our team can assist in finding the best options for you.

Part D Drug Plans: Necessary Adjustments

Most individuals with a Medicare Supplement plan also have a Part D prescription drug plan. These plans are state-specific, so relocating out of state necessitates changing your Part D plan. The timeframe for making these changes mirrors that of Medicare Advantage plans:

• Notify Before Moving: Your switch window opens a month before your move and lasts for two months afterward.
• Notify After Moving: The switch period begins the month you inform your plan and continues for an additional two months.

Need More Information?

Do you have questions about Medicare or want to learn more about your options? Contact Blue Wave Insurance at 800-208-4974 for a FREE quote and consultation. Our team is here to help you navigate your Medicare Supplement Plan options and ensure you get the best rates possible.