If I move to a rural area, how might that limit my Medicare Advantage plan options?
Answered by 44 licensed agents
Moving to a rural area could mean fewer Medicare Advantage plans to pick from, since these areas often have lower enrollment and less competition among providers. You might also face narrower networks, making it tougher to find in-network doctors or specialists without traveling farther. In my experience, some rural spots even lack plans with the extra bells and whistles—like dental or vision—that you’d see more of in heavier populated counties.
When you move to a new area, you may be entitled to a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Your agent can look and see what Advantage plans are available in your new zip code and you may switch to a new plan because of the SEP.
Depends on where you live. Some places have many choices some have only a few. Some counties have no choices. I would evaluate that before I move. I would look into my health options, what local hospitals are close, and what kind of care can I get. Do I need to travel for better care?
IF YOU MOVE YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE A PLAN OUT IN THE ZIPCODE AND COUNTY YOU MOVED TOO. THE PLANS CHANGE AND MEDICARE MAKES YOU TAKE A PLAN OUT IN THE AREA YOU LIVE IN. I AM LICENSED IN 45 STATES SO I CAN HELP YOU IF YOU MOVE.
Medicare advantage plans are not only state specific but also county specific. If you move out of state or from one county to another, your current plan may not be available in your new state and/or county.
When you move to a rural area, it does limit your Medicare Advantage options as Health Insurance Carriers do not find it profitable to operate in these areas due to limited resources and healthcare provider networks. As a result, there may be fewer plan types such as HMOs only or very few other options to include PPO options. Lower population densities mean also less doctors, specialists and medical facilities in the area which makes it more challenging to have more Medicare Advantage Options due to the limited networks. For example, it will be easier to find Medicare Advantage plans in more populated states such as Florida, Texas, California, Arizona, etc. with larger metropolitan areas than those states that do not have high density populations such as Wyoming. Less populated areas generally mean higher costs to serve the health insurance needs of those populations.
In rural areas, there are usually fewer Medicare Advantage plans, and the networks can be really limited. That means fewer doctors and hospitals to choose from — so it’s important to check what’s available before you move.
Medicare Advantage plan availability are based upon zip code. If you move to a rural, its possible you might have fewer options. However, make sure to check your doctors hospitals in the network.
I work with hundreds of Medicare Advantage members in rural areas, so I've seen pretty much every limitation there is to be had. Assuming there are Medicare Advantage options in your new area, there will most likely be few of them. I find that the most limiting factor will often be the plans' network and access to services. Medical, dental, and vision providers are often slower to join Medicare Advantage plan networks in rural areas, particularly if they are new to the area.
If you currently have a Medicare Advantage plan and that plan isn't offered in the area you're moving to, you will have the option of purchasing a Medicare supplement (Medigap) plan without having to go through underwriting. If your new area doesn't have Medicare Advantage options, or you would have enrolled in a Medigap plan earlier but couldn't have passed the underwriting process, this could be a great opportunity.
I recommend working with an independent agent that offers both Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans well in advance of your move to help you weigh all of your options.
Medicare plans are per county, so moving to a new county will affect what plans are available to you and you would need to update your plan within 60 days of moving. Moving from a metro area to a rural area can affect what carriers you have access to and what plans are offered.
Wow that is a great question and for the first 9 years of helping people in Northern and usually rural areas, it wasn't an issue. There are 6 Medicare advantage plans, and in 2025 on of those companies isn't accepted by the largest hospitals in Northern Maine. For 2026 we have another of those companies who will not be renewing their contract with Northern Light. That leaves 4 companies to choose from for the most part. We look up your doctors and your medications to ensure that they will be in network. Finding a plan that is Nationwide , should the situation arise where you need Medical help in another state, is an option worth making sure is available.
Rural areas bear the brunt of lesser benefits than those who are big city dwellers. This means that there is a limited number of plans available as well as a limited doctor network. If this seems unfair, it certainly is!! So, depending on your health issues if serious, moving to a remote area of your state is, in my honest opinion, not a good idea, sorry!
There are rural areas that may have a limited number of Medicare Advantage plans or in some cases, not at all. The Insurance carriers determinations are based on the population and the feasibility as to whether or not it makes sense to offer plans.
Limited Physician and Hospital Network. Some Plans might not have the same benefits due to the reimbursement the plans get from CMS. So, benefits not as good as larger metro areas.
Medicare Advantage plans are Network based. Typically, when a Hospital is IN Network and Doctors are affiliated with that Hospital - The Doctors are also in Network.
If you move to a rural area confirm your current plan still covers that area and find out which Hospitals/Doctors/Urgent Care's are IN Network.
If you are unsure contact your Broker or any questions contact me to confirm.
There may be less advantage plans available to choose from. Also you may have to stick with a PPO as it may be harder to find doctors that are in networks.
You would have less choices for doctors and hospitals, which would reduce the amount of advantage plans that would be in network for you. Also could affect drug coverage as well.
Depending on how "rural" the area is, your plan choices may be reduced to one or two plans.
Most Seniors don't consider this problem when moving. I have had several call me before moving and ask about their choices. I highly recommend doing that
Medicare Plan Options are influenced by the demographics of each county, more populated county have more competitive plan options where as smaller lesser dense populated counties only have a few select options
Any time you move outside the coverage area you will have a special enrollment to make a new plan election. Its important to have a broker on your side to navigate the options when ever a move takes place.
Depending on your location it may be difficult to get a physician that’s in your network. There are lots of plans to help with that though. So please contact an agent to find out more
Moving to a rural area can limit your Medicare Advantage plan options due to potential network restrictions and the availability of plans in your new location. Medicare Advantage plans have defined service areas, and if your new location falls outside of that area, your current plan won't provide coverage. You'll need to find a new plan that serves your new area, and there might be fewer options available in rural locations.
You would need to check both what plans are available in that area, and the Dr network. You can check for plans on Medicare.gov, with a zip code. Also, if you moved from the network area of your plan, that would create an SEP (Special Enrollment Period) where, if you can't find a suitable Advantage plan, you could return to original Medicare and buy a Medicare Supplement in a guarantee issue. In a rural area, supplements would be less expensive and give you the full Medicare Dr network.
You need to check and see what Medicare Advantage plans are available in the area you want to move to. The better option is to stay with Origional Medicare and a Supplement.
If you move to a rural area, you would be eligible to change plans for 2 months. You can call any broker, and let them know you just moved to the area, and they will help you find a plan that will meet your needs.
Moving to a rural area will truly affect your MAPD and MA plan. If I were your trusted agent, we would spend time researching the best plan for you. I would advise you to go back to original Medicare and then obtain a Medicare Supplemental Plan and an indemnity plan . We will then look over the Part D plan based on your daily prescription.
There is a good chance that your Medicare Advantage plan options may be limited. If you get one, you may prefer a PPO MAPD plan vs a HMO MAPD plan.
In Central & Northern California, you will find a large drop off of plan options vs Southern California, because the population is more spread out and there are fewer medical groups and hospitals.
My friend in Iowa let me know there are few MAPD options for the same reason. Still, you will have great Medicare plan options, in the form of Med-Supps (Medi-Gap) plans.
Moving to a rural area can significantly limit Medicare Advantage plan options. Medicare Advantage plans typically have limited networks of in-network providers, and these networks may be less comprehensive in rural areas, making it harder to find specialists or access the necessary care. You might also find fewer plans available in your new area, potentially forcing you to choose between a limited plan or returning to Original Medicare.
Limited Provider Networks:
Medicare Advantage plans usually require you to see doctors and use hospitals within their network to receive full coverage. In rural areas, where there may be fewer healthcare providers overall, finding a network that includes the specialists you need can be challenging.
Fewer Plan Options:
Rural areas often have fewer Medicare Advantage plans offered compared to urban areas. This can limit your choices and make it difficult to find a plan that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Potential for Out-of-Network Coverage:
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited out-of-network coverage, but this is often more restricted than with Original Medicare, which covers any provider who accepts Medicare.
Special Enrollment Periods:
Moving out of a plan's service area triggers a special enrollment period, giving you time to switch to a new plan or return to Original Medicare.
Coordination of Care:
In rural areas, you might find it harder to coordinate your care with specialists who are part of the plan's network, especially if you need to travel significant distances.
Important Considerations:
Research your new area:
Before moving, research the Medicare Advantage plans offered in your new location and review their provider networks.
Contact your current plan:
If you plan to move, notify your current Medicare Advantage plan to see if they offer coverage in your new area. If not, they can help you find a new plan or return to Original Medicare.
As you know Medicare Advantage plans have networks of providers you have to use. The places away from larger cities have fewer providers and not as many plans.
The good thing is that you will have Special Enrollment Period that let you change a plan to a new one or possibly to come back to Original Medicare (Part A & Part B)
Alternative: Original Medicare + Medcare Supplement
In rural areas, many people choose Original Medicare + a Medicare Supplement policy + Part D instead of Medicare Advantage.
Why? Because Original Medicare lets you see any provider nationwide.
The trade-off: Medigap plans usually cost more in monthly premiums than Medicare Advantage.
In rural areas, you will find yourself with limited Medicare Advantage plan options due to lower populations, lower number of hospitals and lower number of providers. You also may find prescription pharmacies further away.