Whether it’s for a job, to attend school, or just to start a new life, moving is a life-changing event. Changing locations impacts a lot of things in your life, including your current health insurance plan. In many cases, you will not be able to keep your plan if you move. Depending on whether you are moving in state or out of state, you might need to either find a new plan, or take steps to update your insurance company. If you’re planning a move, make sure that you know how to stay properly insured, so you don’t experience any unexpected medical bills.
Moving To A Different State
Health insurance plans vary across the country because plans from different carriers are tied to specific states. Some insurance carriers allow you to keep your plan if you move out of state; others do not. In most cases, even if you are able to keep your current plan, you probably won’t want to. For example, PPO or POS plans allow you to seek medical care outside of your current home state, but if you do, you will be considered out-of-network, and you will have to pay a percentage of your bills. This can be quite expensive; out-of-network care in general is very expensive.
If you’re moving out of state, you’ll most likely need – or want – to get a new health insurance plan. Moving is considered a qualifying life event, so as long as you had coverage for 60 days before your move, you will be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. This means that you will be able to enroll in a new plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period. You will have a 60-day window from the date of your move to get a new plan. Report your out-of-state move to your health insurance company as soon as possible, so that you can enroll in a new plan without a break in coverage.
Moving To Another State For Work
If you work for a large employer that has locations throughout the country, and your job requires you to relocate, you might find that your coverage remains the same. Prior to moving, though, you should make sure that your current health insurance plan is offered in the new state; if it is not, you will need to take the necessary steps to get insured. If this is the case, you will qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and will be able to search for a new plan.
Moving Within The Same State
If you move within the same state, odds are that your coverage options won’t change. You will have to update your address with your insurance company; while you’re contacting them, it would be a good idea to check if there are any different plans available in your new location that could save you money. As long as you have moved to a new zip code, you will still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
When Your New Plan Will Begin
Whether you are moving out of state or somewhere within the same state, you should take advantage of your Special Enrollment Period and look for an affordable plan. As soon as you get your new address, sign up for a new plan as quickly as you can – otherwise, you might have a gap in coverage. Try to enroll in a plan in the first half of the month if you can: if you enroll between the 1st and 15th of the month your new plan will start on the first day of the next month. If you apply after the 15th, then your new plan will not begin until the first day of the second month after you enrolled.
Packing up your whole life and moving house is very stressful and expensive, and health insurance is probably not at the top of your list when you’re getting ready to make such a huge life change. Instead of worrying about your plan options and doing all the researching and comparing on your own, let us take the burden off of you. EZ will instantly compare plans for the new address you are moving to in minutes. Our services are always free, so you won’t have to worry about spending any extra money.
We want you to focus on getting to your new destination, so we’ll find the best insurance plan for you while you worry about your move. We will assess your needs and find a plan with the most coverage and the most savings. To instantly compare quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to one of our licensed agents, call 888-350-1890.
