(Newswire.net — March 19, 2019) — If you recently moved or are planning on moving, then you must be aware that there are a few things that you should keep in your checklist to ensure a smooth transition. But it becomes even more important if you’re a Medicare beneficiary as you have to complete a few tasks to ensure you continue enjoying your benefits. This article teaches you all the essential details you need to learn about Medicare moving from one state to another.
Medicare Moving From One State to Another
Not All Segments are Transferable
Updating your Medicare isn’t as simple as it might sound, especially if you’re moving from one state to the other. The most common ones are Parts C and D, which are normally based depending on the current area of residence. Therefore, it’s advisable to notify your providers as early as possible so as to avoid inconveniences. You should also be ready for a pricing shift on your Medicare supplement as the charges change from one location to the other.
What’s the Correct Medicare Providers Notification Timeline?
As already mentioned above, you have to notify your providers of your moving plans to necessitate planning. This especially applies for section D (the drug plan) and any other supplement plan. and you will be allocated a Special Election Period to give you ample changing time. So for example, if you decide to notify them before you move, then you will enjoy a switching period of one month prior to moving and a two months post-moving.
But in case you choose to wait until you move, you get an opportunity to switch from the exact month your provider received your notification, plus the next two months. So you typically have three months for the switch.
What If I Have a Medicare Advantage Plan?
With this one, you will have to check with the state you’re planning to move into to see if they offer it. If not, then you will have no choice but to get disenrolled. You, however, should be fast with this one, because if you don’t enroll in one within the allocated Special Election Period(SEP), then you will automatically go back to the original plan that only consists of part A and B. And if this happens, you will have to choice but to wait for the Annual Election Period, to select a new Medicare Advantage plan.
What about my Stand-alone Medicare Part D (Drug Prescription) Plan?
Missing the SEP deadline on your Medicare Part D is one of the worst mistakes you could make. You risk staying without a Medicare prescription drug coverage and as if that’s not enough, you get to suffer a Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty in future. And just like the Medical advantage plan, you will have no choice but to wait for the Annual Election Period, which is normally between, 15th October to 7th December.
What if I Move Within my Plan’s Service Area?
You will continue enjoying your benefits as normal but you’re entitled to a SEP if you want to switch to new Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan options.
Conclusion
When you’re a beneficiary of Medicare and are planning on moving, it’s advisable to notify your Medicare planning providers on time for timely allocation of the Special Election Period. But even with that, know that not all parts are transferable and you risk being penalized for late Medicare Part D ( Drug Prescription ) enrollment. Also, if you don’t switch within the set time frame, you will have to wait for the Annual Election Period. So, always make sure Medicare moving from one state to another