Signed into law in 1965, Medicare is a federally funded insurance health program. The objective of the program is to provide low-cost, comprehensive health insurance to seniors of retirement age( 65 or above 65 years). Even though people are completely fit until this age or carry another health insurance policy, they prefer enrolling for Medicare. It’s because Medicare is different and the biggest savior for them.
When enrolling for Medicare, the official website asks for the applicant’s location. It means things might be different if you move to a new location, carrying a Medicare plan. There might be changes in the policy or its terms and conditions at the new location. So if you are planning to move, you should work with a Medicare broker in Texas and find out more information about the plan.
In this post, we will discuss the basic changes that happen in Medicare plans if moving.
Original Medicare Plan :
Original Medicare plan includes Medicare Part A and Part B, which are hospital insurance and outpatient insurance respectively. When Part A and Part B are combined, they cover most of the healthcare needs of senior citizens.
When moving, nothing will change in original Medicare coverage. No matter where you move to in the USA, the doctors and hospitals will accept Medicare without extra cost and complete coverage.
You just have to contact social security and provide an updated address to receive all your Medicare-related mail at the right place. In case you are changing the bank, you should update it too.
Medicare Supplement Plan:
Purchased in addition to Original Medicare, the Medicare Supplement Plans are the supplemental coverage. The plan provides additional benefits but operates under the same network of doctors and hospitals as Original Medicare. It means you won’t have any problems seeking medical help under the Medicare supplement plan at the new location.
Just like original Medicare, you will have to update the information to receive your mail. The only difference between Medicare Supplement Plan and Original Medicare is cost. Based on your location, the pricing for Medicare Supplement Plans will change. The carrier will re-rate once you move. You have the option to switch carriers or plans you chose.
Medicare Advantage Plan:
Also known as Medicare Part C, the Medicare Advantage Plan replaces Medicare entirely. Also, it offers many additional benefits that aren’t offered by Medicare Supplement Plans.
With Medicare Advantage Plan, you don’t get access to the same broad Original Medicare. The Medicare Part C coverage is tied to the geographical area even though Part C plans are found in nationwide PPO coverage. The disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage plan is it can be hard to find a doctor nearby in the network.
When moving with Medicare Advantage, you will have to qualify for a special enrollment period. You will get 30 days before and after moving to enroll in a new Part C plan. You need to know the plan that is favored in the new location.
Medicare Part D Plan:
In Medicare, applicants get prescription drug coverage in Advantage plan or separate Part D plan of Original Medicare. No matter which plans you carry for prescription drug coverage, you will have to enroll in some type of new prescription drug coverage at the new location.
To get the advantage of the Medicare Part D plan, you should enroll on time. Or else, you will not get the coverage or become subject to a late penalty. Moving with the Medicare plan is a bit confusing. So, we always recommend you to work with a Medicare broker in Texas.