Are you thinking of retiring in a new state? You are not alone. Many of our clients choose to retire in a different state than the one where they first enrolled in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. They often ask us if they have to reapply for Medigap.
The answer is almost always no. According to the CMS: “You can retain your current Medigap policy regardless of where you live as long as you still have Original Medicare.” Medigap is very flexible and a great solution for people who think they might move in the future.
What Happens to My Medigap if I Move?
If you enrolled in a Medigap plan in one state but move to another, you do NOT need to enroll in a new Medigap plan (unless you have a Medigap Select plan). As long as you keep paying your premiums, your policy is guaranteed renewable and the insurance company cannot cancel it because you moved or because of your health.
If you have a Medigap SELECT plan and move out of its service area, you have a federal guaranteed issue right to buy a standard Medigap Plan A, B, C, F, K, or L (or Plan A, B, D, G, K, or L if you were new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020) without health questions. You can apply as early as 60 days before and no later than 63 days after your SELECT coverage ends.
Your monthly premium could increase if your new home area has more expensive Medigap rates, since this is one of the main factors that affect your Medicare Supplement cost. In some cases your price can also go down.
If you already have a Medigap plan, call the number on the back of your card and they will tell you how much that plan will cost in your new state. You can click here to get an instant Medicare Supplement quote.
Can I Purchase a Different Medigap Plan in My New State if it Costs Less?
If you find another plan in your new state that is less expensive than the rate your current Medigap insurance is offering, you can always submit a new application.
Since Medigap plans have a nationwide network, moving does NOT trigger a Medigap guaranteed issuance situation in most states. This means you will usually have to answer medical questions to obtain the new coverage. Tired of guessing if your application will be accepted? Now you don’t have to. Use our Instant Medigap Underwriting Checker to know ahead of time. It could save everyone a lot of time and hassle.
Please note: Many states have unique rules for buying and switching Medigap plans once you live there. For example, New York and Connecticut allow guaranteed-issue enrollment year-round, Maine and Washington allow certain switches at any time, Massachusetts allows year-round changes, Missouri has an Anniversary Rule, Rhode Island has a guaranteed-issue window during AEP, and 16 states have a Medigap Birthday Rule. If you are moving, check out our Medicare Insurance Switching Ultimate Guide to see the rules in your new state.
If you have additional questions, read and leave a comment below or call us at 800-930-7956.
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