Summer is coming up, and with summer comes… you guessed it! Moving day! Moving is a big life event whether you are moving for a new job, or simply to begin your next adventure. Between finding a new house, packing up and moving in, the last thing that is on your mind is your health insurance. But you will likely need to change your health insurance if you move out of state.
Ensure that you are covered to get the care that you need, no matter where you are located with these tips from McKnight & McKnight Insurance Solutions. A move is a big deal, do not let it impact your health coverage!
How Moving Affects Health Insurance
To understand how your health insurance plan might be impacted with a move, let’s discuss how various health plans work when you aren’t in your home state.
Health insurance plans vary across the United States, and most plans are tied to a specific state. Some plans, such as PPO and POS plans offer health insurance coverage outside of your home state. They can do this by using out-of-network coverage. If you have one of these plans, and you see a provider for a non-emergency medical situation, you will pay a percentage of the total cost, and your insurance will pay the rest which makes PPO and POS plans a great option for people who travel for a large part of the year.
But if you are making a more permanent move, this might not be the best option for you, as out-of-network care can be more expensive.
Moving? McKnight & McKnight Insurance offers many affordable health insurance plans that can meet your specific needs. Call us today for an individualized quote: (866) 525-0368!
Keep in mind:
Joining a new plan resets your deductible and
out-of-pocket costs to ZERO.
Moving Out of State
If you are moving to a new state, you most likely will not want to keep your current plan. A new plan will allow you to take advantage of in-network providers and could lower your insurance costs.
If you have health insurance benefits through your employer, it is possible that you will not need to change health insurance plans with an out-of-state move. Otherwise, you may will need to pick a new plan to stay covered.
Moving Within Your State
If you are moving to a new county, you may or may not have to change plans. Some health insurance plans are only designed for a particular county. A new county could mean that different insurance plans may be available to you.
If you are moving within the same county, your coverage and savings probably will not change based on your new address. However, it is important to contact us to update your address and any other contact information.
Moving to a new state or new county is one of the qualifying life events that count for the Special Enrollment Period (SEP). It is important to check in with us for the best plan/price at your new address.
CLICK HERE or call (813) 792-2301 to schedule your phone appointment!
When Will My New Plan Begin?
If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) take advantage of it! You have 60 days to enroll in a new health insurance plan.
Apply for your new health insurance plan during your SEP window as soon as you get to your new address to prevent any gaps in coverage.
If you enroll in your new plan between the 1st – 15th of the month, your coverage will typically begin on the first day of the following month. If you apply after the 15th, your new coverage will not begin until the first day of the second month after your enrollment.
What if I Live in Two States During the Year?
Seasonal workers, college students, and snowbirds often live in multiple locations each year which can make changing health insurance more complicated.
Generally, health coverage should be purchased in the state where you want to receive the majority of your care. (A PPO or POS plan with out-of-network coverage might be a good option for this situation.)
Some insurance companies have multi-state plans that have in-network providers in the places that you are living throughout the year. Or you can enroll in a new plan whenever you move if you qualify for a SEP. Generally, students and seasonal workers would qualify for a SEP but moves for medical treatment or for vacation will not.
Between jobs or a seasonal worker? Short term health insurance might be a great option for you!
Medicaid Considerations
A move might also mean a change to your eligibility for Medicaid coverage. Some states have expanded Medicaid programs, while others have not. In some places, the income threshold is higher when it comes to qualifying for low or no cost Medicaid coverage, so it is important to check your new state’s eligibility rules to ensure that you still qualify.
Moving? Avoid Insurance Coverage Gaps with McKnight & McKnight
If you are moving out of state or moving to Florida from another state (welcome!), the expert insurance agents at McKnight & McKnight Insurance Solutions are here to walk you through the Special Enrollment Period to avoid coverage gaps and ensure that you are covered in your new state.
If you have any questions about your eligibility for health coverage, give us a call at McKnight & McKnight Insurance Solutions. In a short call, we can help you check health insurance off your list after your move. Call us today!
“Bob is so professional, experienced, and connects with us in a personal way. We value Bob’s expertise in guiding us for over 10 years!” — Client Linda S.
