If you are moving to a new state, what will happen to your Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap)? You can keep your plan in most cases. However, there are some things you should know before you start packing. This Medicare Supplement provider in Northwest Indiana is going to explain what you should expect below.

Will your Medigap plan stay the same in a new state?

If you have talked with your local Medicare Supplement provider in Northwest Indiana, you already know that this is one of the most common questions people ask before moving. And the answer is yes. As long as you still have Original Medicare, you can keep your Medigap plan when you move to another state.

Medigap plans are standardized by letters like Plan A, Plan B, Plan F, Plan G and so on. So, a Plan G in Indiana gives you the same basic benefits as a Plan G in Florida or California.

Your Medigap coverage stays the same no matter where you live. What can change, though, is the price you pay each month. Your monthly premium can increase or decrease depending on the healthcare costs and rules in your new state.

Even though you can keep your plan, you should inform your insurance company if your address changes. They can then update your billing and mailing information and send you updated documents.

What should you expect to be different?

Your local Medicare Supplement provider in Northwest Indiana will tell you that the first thing you should watch is your monthly premium. Even though your Medigap benefits will stay the same, the price of your plan can change.

Your new state could have higher or lower medical costs and that can directly affect your premium. So don’t be surprised if there is a slight price difference in your new zip code.

You should also think about “excess charges” at this point. These are extra fees a doctor may bill if they don’t accept Medicare’s full approved payment.

In most states, doctors can charge up to 15% of the Medicare-approved amount for a service. But if you live in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, the excess charges are not allowed. If you move from one of these states to a state that allows excess charges, you could have to pay more unless your plan covers it.

Can you change your Medigap plan in your new state?

You can switch your Medigap plan after you move to a new state, but you don’t have to. If you are satisfied with your current plan and the price is still acceptable to you, you can keep it as it is.

But if you want a better price or to change the type of Medigap plan, there are some rules you should know. You can apply to switch plans at any time but you are only guaranteed to be accepted without answering health questions during certain times. For example, during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurance companies can’t deny your application or charge more because of your health.

If you are outside that period and don’t qualify for a guaranteed issue right, the insurance company can charge you more or deny your application because of your health. This makes it necessary to consult with your local Medicare Supplement provider before making any changes.

Looking for a Medicare Supplement provider in Northwest Indiana?

Moving to a new state can be an overwhelming experience but your Medigap plan does not have to add to the stress. In most cases, you can take your plan with you wherever you go. Your benefits will stay the same and you can still see any doctor who accepts Medicare. The main things to watch are your premiums and deadlines for changing plans if you want to do so in the future.

If you still need clarity about what applies to your situation, or if you need help comparing plans in your new state, you should get in touch with an experienced Medicare Supplement provider in Northwest Indiana — like SCIS. Our licensed agents can explain everything and make the switch easy if you need one. Contact us today to learn more.