If I move to a rural area, how might that limit my Medicare Advantage plan options?
Answered by 33 licensed agents
Answered by Brian Moore on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH
Answered by Larry Dalton on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK & TX
Answered by William Lawler on May 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA & 12 other states
Answered by Tasha Riggs on May 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in CO, AZ, HI & 10 other states
Answered by Misty Bolt on May 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in TN, AL, AR & 45 other states
Answered by Brian Krantz on March 25, 2025
Broker Licensed in NY, AK, AL & 48 other states
Answered by Kelsey Hentzen on June 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in KS & MO
Answered by Shawn Brown on March 30, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, CO & 7 other states
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.
Answered by Shane Bullock on June 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, FL & 9 other states
Answered by Jolynn Allen on April 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in CO
Fewer Insurers
Less Variety in Plans
Restricted Provider Networks
Rural Hospital Challenges
Answered by Robert Fracchia on June 30, 2025
Broker Licensed in MI
Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 29, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Answered by Timothy Brown on March 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states
Answered by Michael Pyers on April 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH & MI
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.
Answered by Leslie Helene Sussman on March 31, 2025
Broker Licensed in NJ, FL & PA
Answered by Michael Yost on April 5, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AZ & 27 other states
Answered by Joseph Peck on April 22, 2025
Agent Licensed in MI, AL, CO, KS & TN
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
Answered by Jim Willis on July 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, CO & 12 other states
Answered by Eduardo Camacho on May 2, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, FL, NC, NV, SC & TX
Answered by Joshua Ruiz on June 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in NC, AL, AZ & 22 other states
Answered by Andrew Kramer on May 14, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
Answered by Suzanne Lamperti on June 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD
Answered by Todd Bostic on May 28, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states
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.
Answered by David Christian on May 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA & TX
Answered by Larry Pereiro on April 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in IN
Answered by Robert Remin on June 3, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, FL & NJ
Answered by Bob Nunn on April 22, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 36 other states
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.
Consider Original Medicare:
Answered by Leisha Stevens on May 6, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, CA, FL & NC
This link from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows a map how the number of plans that are available for each county: https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-2025-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-offerings/
I hope that helps.
Chris
Answered by Chris Prang on May 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in VA, AZ, CA & 13 other states
So contact me to check what plan is available in your particular county that you’re moving into.
Answered by Lowell Ryals on April 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in MO, AR, FL, KS, LA & TX
Answered by Mark Enright on April 23, 2025
Broker Licensed in IL, CO, FL & 6 other states
Answered by Morgan Luck on May 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in TN, AL, AR & 16 other states
Answered by Lorrie Scully on May 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in IA, CO, IL, NE & SD
Tags: Medicare Advantage
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