How long do I have to switch over to a new Individual/Family plan?
If you're getting ready to move to Arizona, one of the most important things to consider is your health insurance plan. If you are currently enrolled in an individual health plan in another state, you will qualify for a Special Enrollment Period which allows you to enroll in a plan 60 days prior to your move and up to 60 days after your move. Here are some health insurance options to explore.
Marketplace Coverage-Healthcare.gov
One option to consider is Marketplace coverage through Healthcare.gov. The Marketplace is where you can shop for health insurance plans and compare prices. Most people using Healthcare.gov to purchase plans are eligible for financial assistance also known as subsidies or APTC (Advanced Premium Tax Credit) to help lower the cost of monthly premium. Some people can also qualify for further assistance with reduced out-of-pocket costs like lower Copays or Deductibles through CSR (Cost Share Reduction). To find out if you qualify for subsidies, you can use the Health Insurance Marketplace Calculator on Healthcare.gov or you can give us a call and we can review your particular situation.
Private ACA plans and Short-Term insurance plans
If you're not eligible for subsidies with a Marketplace plan because your income is too high to qualify, you may want to consider a private insurance plan. Private insurance can be purchased by an individual directly with an insurance company rather than going through Healthcare.gov. There are a variety of private insurance plans available, including direct purchased ACA plans and also Short-Term Medical plans that you can purchase for specific time frames. These plans can cost quite a bit less than fully priced ACA plans but they do not have to provide the same coverage as ACA plans and may not cover pre-existing conditions. It’s best to schedule a time to review options and see which type of plan is most appropriate for your needs.
Should I notify Medicare that I’m moving?
YES! It’s really important to notify Medicare or Social Security about your move. You can update them with your new address in 3 ways:
Online at the Social Security website
Calling Social Security over the phone at 1(800)772-1213
Going into your nearest Social Security office and submitting your request person
Do I need to pick a new Medicare Plan?
If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part-D drug plan, then most likely you will need to choose a new plan with a service area/network based in AZ. Just like individual/family plans, you would also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to choose a new Advantage plan or Part-D drug plan. The SEP time frame can vary depending on when you notify Medicare of your move. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan then most likely you will be able to keep that plan in place. However, its best to call the Medicare Supplement plan within 30 days of your move to let them know and also see if there will be a premium difference in AZ.
At Fortress Insurance Services, we understand that health insurance can be confusing, which is why we're here to help you navigate the different options available and find the best plan for your needs.
Give us a call today: 623-237-3481