If I move to a rural area, how might that limit my Medicare Advantage plan options?

Question

Brian Moore · Accepted Answer

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.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

Again, Medicare advantage works off of networks and generally the rural areas have less providers available in these networks.

William Lawler · Answer

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.

Answered by William Lawler on May 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA & 12 other states

Answered by William Lawler Medicare Insurance Agent

Tasha Riggs · Answer

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?

Answered by Tasha Riggs on May 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AZ, HI & 10 other states

Answered by Tasha Riggs Medicare Insurance Agent

Misty Bolt · Answer

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.

Answered by Misty Bolt on May 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN, AL, AR & 45 other states

Answered by Misty Bolt Medicare Insurance Agent

Christy Jones · Answer

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.

Answered by Christy Jones on July 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AL, AR & 20 other states

Answered by Christy Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Whetstine · Answer

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.

Answered by Steven Whetstine on July 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ, IA, ID & 11 other states

Answered by Steven Whetstine Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Krantz · Answer

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.

Answered by Brian Krantz on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Brian Krantz Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelsey Hentzen · Answer

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.

Shawn Brown · Answer

Absolutely, a rural area may have limited Medicare advantage plan options as well as limited in network physician and facility options.

Shane Bullock · Answer

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.

Robert Fracchia · Answer

Fewer plan choices.
Fewer Insurers
Less Variety in Plans 
Restricted Provider Networks
Rural Hospital Challenges

Jolynn Allen · Answer

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.

Answered by Jolynn Allen on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in CO

Answered by Jolynn Allen Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

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!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

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.

Answered by Timothy Brown on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states

Answered by Timothy Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Pyers · Answer

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.

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

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.

Michael Yost · Answer

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.

Joseph Peck · Answer

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.

Jim Willis · Answer

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

Eduardo Camacho · Answer

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

Answered by Eduardo Camacho on May 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, FL, NC, NV, SC & TX

Answered by Eduardo Camacho Medicare Insurance Agent

Joshua Ruiz · Answer

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.

Answered by Joshua Ruiz on June 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AL, AZ & 22 other states

Answered by Joshua Ruiz Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Kramer · Answer

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.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on May 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

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.

Todd Bostic · Answer

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.

Answered by Todd Bostic on May 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states

Answered by Todd Bostic Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Remin · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/if-i-move-to-a-rural-area-how-might-that-limit-my-medicare-advantage-plan-options#robert-remin

David Christian · Answer

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.

Larry Pereiro · Answer

It will not make a negative impact but may require a change of carrier to accommodate your choice of providers.

Bob Nunn · Answer

It may limit your provider options because they may not have a lot of choices . You might have to go out of network which might cause extra expenses.

Leisha Stevens · Answer

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. 
Consider Original Medicare:

Chris Prang · Answer

It really depends on the rural area you are moving to and/or how rural it is. Some rural areas have a good selection of plans, but others do not.

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

Krystal Hampton · Answer

If you move to a rural area, you may not have a lot of Medicare Advantage policies to choose from. 

If this happens to you, consider getting a Medigap policy instead which isn't location specific.

Lowell Ryals · Answer

Depends what county that you move into as all advantage, Medicare plans go by County.
So contact me to check what plan is available in your particular county that you’re moving into.

Mark Enright · Answer

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.

Answered by Mark Enright on April 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, CO, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Mark Enright Medicare Insurance Agent

Morgan Luck · Answer

It Depends on where you go. We would need to know zip code and county, the plans are based off that information

Lorrie Scully · Answer

You will need to call and ensure that the medical facilities available to you in that area will accept your plan.

Beverlyn Everage · Answer

1. Fewer Plans Available
Rural areas often have fewer insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans compared to urban or suburban locations.

Some counties may have only one or two MA plans available—or in rare cases, none at all.

 2. Limited Provider Networks
MA plans are network-based (e.g., HMO, PPO), so even if a plan is available, the local provider network may be small.