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.

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

Shawn Brown · Answer

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Larry Pereiro · Answer

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

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:

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

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

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