If I move to a rural area, how might that limit my Medicare Advantage plan options?
Answered by 27 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.
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?
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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.