Moving Out of State Health Insurance Questions

If you’re moving out of state, you’ll probably have a lot of questions regarding your options for health insurance plans. Those who take advantage of the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, might wonder if they are able to simply keep their plan as it is.

Unfortunately, that is not possible when moving from one state to another. Knowing that should open up a whole new avenue of questions about what you should do to remain covered, and how coverage may differ. Each situation is unique, so it is important to have the proper information before making any final decisions.

What is the simplest health insurance option?

The simplest option is going to depend entirely on your specific situation. If you have a simple marketplace plan, you won’t be able to keep it when moving to a new state. You’ll most likely have to find a new plan, but knowing which health insurance plan you need and where to find it can be a challenge. These are all things you can find out by contacting a qualified health insurance provider.

Does my eligibility for Medicaid change?

It’s possible that you were ineligible for Medicaid in the state from which you are moving, but that doesn’t mean the same will be true for the state to which you are moving. Moving out of state can have more benefits than a change of scenery. Some states have expanded their Medicaid eligibility so that more individuals are eligible per their income. You’ll need to find out if the state to which you are moving offers an expanded Medicaid system through which you might receive insurance.  Contacting a qualified insurance provider is the best way to understand your options.

What will happen to my tax credit eligibility?

If you are using a plan from the ACA, you might be receiving tax credits in your home state. When changing health insurance from one state to another, those credits will most likely change as well. Each state offers different levels of credit, and if you are moving to a new state because of retirement or a change in career; that will lead to a different level of income, and you’ll need to find out if the change will affect your tax credits. The same coverage might cost more in the new location or different health insurance plans may be available, that weren’t available in the previous location.

What tasks will I need to complete?

Anytime you move to a new state, you’ll have a lot of new places to explore and service options to consider in that local area, which includes your health care options. Below is a brief checklist of things you’ll want to find in terms of your health care options when moving to a new state.

• Pharmacies
• Pediatricians
• Primary Care Doctors
• Specialists
• Emergency Clinics
• Hospitals

Without knowing where to find these services, you won’t know where your new insurance should cover. It’s also a good idea to know where the emergency service options are located no matter where you are.

Do my healthcare needs change because of the move?

You might be moving to a state that doesn’t offer a similar plan to what you already have, so you’ll have to choose a policy with either more or less coverage. Depending on the reason for the move, it is usually a good time to explore different health insurance plan options. Each situation is different, so you’ll have to discuss your specific needs with a qualified professional insurance provider.

What should I do if I’m changing jobs and losing health insurance?

Some people might have previously been at a job that included healthcare coverage, but changing jobs along with changing states often interrupts insurance coverage if you aren’t careful. It might be possible for you to start a new ACA plan in the new state, but you’ll need to check eligibility to see if you qualify. Tax credits are dependent on income, so if your new position includes a change of income, you might not receive adequate credits. If your income drops due to retirement, you may also not be eligible. Check the specific details for each state through a valid health insurance representative.

Should I consider short term health insurance?

Short term health insurance is a great option for those who believe their coverage is going to change or lapse due to a move. This will give you proper time to prepare for the long term, and it will ensure that you experience no lapse in coverage. These sorts of plans provide peace of mind for those who are unsure about the future of their coverage, especially if they haven’t had sufficient time to plan the move.  Additionally, short term health insurance plans can fill your gap in coverage, not leaving you exposed if an unexpected injury or emergency occurs.

What’s the first step when changing health insurance from one state to another?

If you are covered by the ACA, the first thing you’ll need to do is report your move to the appropriate healthcare website so that you don’t pay for unusable coverage. In many cases, this will be the ACA marketplace website, but some states and insurance providers have their own sites for such purposes. This will allow you to start the process of seeing what options are available in the state to which you’ll be moving. If you don’t already have coverage with the ACA, you’ll need to find an insurance provider who is capable of providing ACA compliant insurance plans.

Who can best answer my health insurance questions?

The only real way to find the best insurance coverage for your healthcare needs is to contact a qualified insurance plan provider. They can answer all your health insurance questions, explain your options in detail, and point you in the right direction so you’ll get the best plan for you. They will be able to answer questions that you didn’t even know you had about the process, so don’t be shy about contacting a provider who offers health insurance plans in your new area. More detailed answers to all of these questions are just a phone call or email away.  If you are moving to a new state and looking to explore health insurance options, contact a specialist today so that you can avoid coverage gaps and find the best insurance plan for your needs.