Jane Dotson
Moving to a new location can be an exciting but stressful experience, and it's important to remember that it may also mean changing your health insurance plan. Whether you will need to change your health insurance depends on whether you are moving within the same state or to a different one. If you are moving within the same state, you will usually be able to keep your insurance plan by simply updating your health profile with your new address. However, if you are moving to a different state, you will likely need to obtain new health insurance as most health coverage plans are tied to a specific state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Moving within the same state | You can keep your insurance plan, but you need to update your health profile with your new address. |
| Moving out of state | You will need to enroll in a new healthcare plan in the new state. |
| Moving to a new job that offers health insurance | There may be a waiting period of up to 90 days before you are eligible for the new insurance. |
| Losing your job | You will lose your health insurance through your employer. |
| Losing your health insurance | You may be eligible for COBRA, Medicare, or Medicaid, or you may be able to move to another group plan, such as through a spouse or parent. |
| Moving to or from Massachusetts, Wisconsin, or Minnesota | These three states have unique Medigap options. |
| Moving to a new address that is in your plan's service area | You can keep your current Part C and/or Part D plan during your Special Enrollment Period (SEP). |
| Moving to a new address with new options | You can sign up for a new Part C and/or Part D plan during your SEP. |
| Moving out of your Part C plan's service area | If you don't enroll in a new Part C plan during your SEP, you will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare as a default. |
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What You'll Learn
Moving out of state
Moving to a new state can be exciting, but it can also come with a lot of administrative tasks, including updating your health insurance. The good news is that moving is considered a qualifying life event, which means you can make changes to your health insurance plan outside of the usual Open Enrollment period. Here are some important things to know and steps to take when moving out of state:
Report Your Change of Address
It is essential to report your move out of state as soon as possible. You will need to update your address with your current health insurance provider and the Marketplace (HealthCare.gov). This step is crucial to avoid any gaps in coverage and to ensure you are not paying for coverage that is not applicable in your new state.
Enroll in a New Plan
In most cases, when you move to a new state, you will need to find a new health insurance plan. Individual market coverage is regulated at the state level, so your current plan may not be available or applicable in your new state. You will need to start a new Marketplace application and enroll in a plan specific to your new state. Check if your new state has its own Marketplace website or if it uses HealthCare.gov.
Research Your Options
Before selecting a new plan, take time to research your options. Learn about the different plans available in your new state, including the costs and coverage levels. Compare plans and prices to find one that best suits your needs and budget. You can also check if you qualify for any subsidies or Medicaid in your new state, as eligibility may vary.
Consider Short-Term Coverage
If you need immediate coverage during the transition, consider enrolling in a short-term health insurance plan. These plans can provide temporary coverage while you take the time to research and select a new long-term plan. Keep in mind that short-term plans may not cover pre-existing conditions and are not offered on the federal marketplace or state exchanges.
Understand Special Enrollment Periods
Moving to a new state triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for health insurance. This means you can enroll in a new Marketplace plan outside of the regular Open Enrollment period. The SEP is typically a 60-day window, allowing you to make necessary changes to your health insurance without having to wait for the next Open Enrollment period.
Remember that maintaining continuous health insurance coverage is essential to avoid gaps in protection and unexpected costs. By following these steps and staying proactive, you can ensure that your health insurance needs are met as you settle into your new state.
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Gaps in coverage
Gaps in health insurance coverage can occur when individuals move to a new state or experience changes in their income or employment status. One significant cause of coverage gaps is the variation in Medicaid eligibility criteria across different states. As of 2021, about 1.5 million to 2 million Americans were affected by the coverage gap, with the majority residing in Southern states.
The coverage gap predominantly impacts individuals with incomes below the federal poverty line, who find themselves ineligible for Medicaid and unable to afford ACA-compliant coverage at full price. This situation arises when certain states choose not to expand Medicaid eligibility to adults under 65 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, as outlined in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
To address this issue, some have proposed creating a new public option for health insurance that would be available to people in the coverage gap. This public option would be separate from Medicaid and could provide automatic enrollment and full funding for those who are eligible. Another suggestion is to increase fiscal incentives for states to expand Medicaid coverage or to make individuals below the poverty line eligible for enhanced ACA premium subsidies.
Closing the coverage gap is crucial for advancing health equity and addressing structural racism. Research indicates that expanding health coverage to low-income individuals improves access to care, reduces racial and ethnic disparities in coverage, and enhances affordability. Additionally, it helps stabilize health systems that disproportionately serve people of color, such as rural hospitals and community health centers.
While moving to a state with expanded Medicaid coverage may be a solution for some, it is not always a feasible option for those with limited financial resources and opportunities. Therefore, addressing the coverage gap requires a comprehensive approach that includes policy changes and increased access to affordable health insurance options.
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Changing insurance plans
Moving to a new state will almost certainly require you to change your insurance plan. Individual market coverage is regulated and marketed at the state level, so a new plan is needed when moving between states. Even if your health insurer operates throughout the country, different states have different individual market plans, so you'll need to re-enroll in a new plan.
If you already have health insurance, moving to a new state will trigger a special enrollment period, provided you had coverage before your move. You should report your move out of state immediately to avoid a break in coverage and to avoid paying for coverage that doesn't apply in your new state. You can do this by logging into your Marketplace account, selecting your applications, and updating your address. You will then be able to compare plans and prices available to you in your new state.
If you are moving within the same state, you may not need to change your insurer, but you should still notify them of your new address, as your insurance rate may increase or decrease depending on your new location and commuting distance.
It is important to note that health insurance plans generally do not cover any pre-existing conditions, and they can reject your application if you have significant pre-existing medical conditions.
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Medicaid and Medicare
Moving to a new state can have implications for your Medicaid and Medicare coverage. Here are some key points to consider:
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state-specific program, and each state has its own eligibility requirements and rules. As a result, you cannot simply transfer your Medicaid coverage from one state to another. If you move to a new state, you will need to reapply for Medicaid benefits in that state. While income and asset limits for eligibility do not vary significantly between states, some states have more restrictive financial requirements. For example, Florida's long-term care Medicaid program allows beneficiaries to have $2,000 in assets, while New York permits $32,396 in 2025. Additionally, some states have different functional requirements for eligibility, such as needing assistance with a certain number of Activities of Daily Living. Therefore, even if you are eligible in one state, you may not be eligible in another. It is recommended to have a functional assessment done in the state you are moving to before cancelling your Medicaid benefits in your current state. If you do not meet the functional eligibility in the new state, you may need to reconsider your move or choose a state with less strict requirements.
If you are receiving long-term care benefits through a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver, relocating while maintaining these benefits can be more complicated. It is advisable to speak with a Certified Medicaid Planning Professional to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, the timing of your move can impact your coverage. It is generally best to cancel your coverage in your original state at the end of the month, move, and then apply for coverage in the new state as soon as possible. Some states may require proof of cancellation from your previous state. On average, it takes around 83 days for a Medicaid agency to approve or deny an application. To avoid a gap in coverage, you may consider enrolling in a short-term plan to bridge the transition period.
Medicare
If you move to a new city outside of your plan's network, you will lose your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. In this case, you will need to either enrol in a new plan or switch to Original Medicare and enrol in a Part D plan. You can research your plan options in your new area or contact the customer service number of the private company offering the plan. If you are dual-eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, you will need to contact your new state to understand your Medicaid benefit options. Additionally, if you move to another country, different rules apply depending on your plan. For Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (prescription drug coverage), most plans require members to live within the plan's service area for at least six months out of the year. However, for Medicare Supplement Insurance plans (Medigap), you only need to be a U.S. resident when you joined the plan, and you can keep it as long as you pay your premiums, even if you move abroad.
In summary, when moving, it is essential to understand the specific rules and requirements of your new state or country for both Medicaid and Medicare to ensure a smooth transition and maintain your healthcare coverage.
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Health insurance costs
If you have employer-sponsored health insurance and need to move for your job, your employer has likely already worked out the details to ensure your coverage remains unchanged. However, if you buy your health insurance on the individual market, you will need to purchase a new plan when moving to a different state. This can result in starting over with a new deductible and maximum out-of-pocket amount, impacting your overall health insurance costs.
To obtain new coverage when moving to a new state, the earliest available effective date is typically the first day of the month after you move. It is recommended to terminate your old plan as of the last day of the month in which you move to avoid paying for coverage that doesn't apply in your new state. You can then enroll in a new plan, comparing the prices and coverage options available in your new state.
Additionally, if you have a low income, it is important to understand how the Medicaid program works in your new state and any special enrollment periods or qualifying life events that may impact your coverage and costs. Overall, it is crucial to update your HealthCare.gov profile and start a new Marketplace application when moving to a different state to ensure continuous coverage and manage any changes in health insurance costs effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you will most likely lose your medical insurance if you move to a different state. This is because most health coverage plans are tied to a specific state. However, moving to a new state will trigger a special enrollment period as long as you already had coverage before your move.
If you lose your medical insurance due to moving to a different state, you will need to enroll in a new healthcare plan in your new state. You should do this as soon as possible to avoid gaps in your coverage. You can browse your state's health insurance resources to find out more about the health insurance exchanges in your state.
If you are moving within the same state, you will usually be able to keep your insurance plan. You will just need to update your health profile with your new address.
If you get your insurance through your employer, you will lose your health insurance when you leave your job. You will need to figure out your health insurance options moving forward and make sure there is no lapse in your coverage. You may be eligible for COBRA, Medicare, or Medicaid, or you may be able to move to another group plan, such as through a spouse or parent.
