6 Steps to Getting Health Insurance After Moving
A Clear Guide for Recent Relocators
Relocating to a new city or state often means more than just a change of address; it typically requires updating health insurance coverage. Navigating health insurance options after a move can be challenging, with various rules, deadlines, and procedures to consider.
Understanding the necessary steps ensures there are no gaps in coverage and ongoing access to essential healthcare. Individuals can find the process smoother and more manageable by following a clear approach when securing health insurance after a move.
1) Notify HealthCare.gov about your move immediately
When someone moves to a new state, notifying HealthCare.gov quickly is essential. This ensures their health insurance information is up to date and prevents any gaps in coverage. They can report their move online by logging in to their HealthCare.gov account.
After logging in, it is important to update their address and select the new state of residence. HealthCare.gov will then show them insurance options available in their new location. Each state has its own marketplace and plan options, so updating their information is a key step.
Reporting the move as soon as possible allows them to take advantage of a Special Enrollment Period. This period lets them enroll in a new health plan outside the usual Open Enrollment window. If the move is not reported promptly, there is a risk of losing coverage or missing out on available plans.
Keeping HealthCare.gov updated with current details helps avoid breaks in insurance. This step supports a smooth transition from one state's coverage to another. It also ensures eligibility for new plans and any available financial assistance based on the new location.
2) Start a new Marketplace application for your new state
After moving to a new state, individuals must begin a new Marketplace health insurance application specific to their current location. Health insurance plans and available providers can differ by state, so coverage from a previous state will not carry over automatically.
The process starts by visiting HealthCare.gov or the appropriate state-based Marketplace website. Users should select their new state and follow the prompts to begin a new application.
Applicants will need to provide updated personal information, such as their new address, household size, and income. This information determines eligibility for available plans and potential savings.
It’s important to act quickly, as moving to a new state qualifies as a special enrollment period. This limited window allows individuals to enroll in a new plan outside of the normal Open Enrollment period.
Submitting a new application promptly helps avoid gaps in health insurance coverage. Applicants should carefully review plan options and ensure all information is accurate before finalizing enrollment.
3) Report changes in your income and household size
After a move, it is important to report any changes in income or household size to the health insurance marketplace or your state exchange. These updates help determine eligibility for coverage and financial assistance.
If someone's income goes up or down, or if the number of people in their household changes, they must update their information as soon as possible. Failing to make timely updates may lead to incorrect premium amounts or loss of coverage.
In most states, changes can be reported online, over the phone, or in person. Covered California, for example, lets people call, sign in online, or get help from local agents.
People with Medi-Cal or Medicaid must report changes to their local county office, often within 10 days of the change. Each program or marketplace may have a timeline for when updates must be made, so prompt action is necessary.
Updating information quickly ensures that coverage and financial help match the individual’s current situation. This can prevent unexpected costs or coverage gaps.
4) Select a new plan based on your new location
When someone moves to a new state, Marketplace health insurance plans from their previous location will not transfer. Health insurance options and prices can vary widely between states, so it is important to choose a new plan that fits local needs and regulations.
Plans available in the new area should be reviewed carefully. Coverage networks, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs may be different from the person’s previous plan. Some providers and medications might not be included under the new options.
It's recommended to compare all available plans before making a decision. The person should check which doctors, hospitals, and services are covered. Double-check any ongoing treatments or prescriptions to make sure they are included in the new plan's network and drug list.
After evaluating the available options, the applicant can select a plan that meets their needs and budget. Enrollment is completed through the Marketplace in the new state, and coverage usually begins once the plan is activated. It is important to avoid any gaps in coverage during this process.
5) Take advantage of the Special Enrollment Period triggered by your move
When someone moves to a new address, they often become eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for health insurance. This allows them to apply for new coverage or make changes to an existing plan outside the usual Open Enrollment window.
The Special Enrollment Period is time-limited. Typically, individuals have 60 days from the date of their move to enroll in a health plan. Failing to act within this window may mean waiting until the next Open Enrollment.
To use the SEP, a person must report their move and provide any necessary documentation to confirm the change of residence. This process is required by most health insurance marketplaces.
Taking prompt action after moving helps prevent any gaps in health coverage. It also ensures continued access to medical care and essential health services.
6) Contact your employer’s HR if you have job-based coverage
After moving, anyone with job-based health insurance should reach out to their employer’s Human Resources (HR) department promptly. HR can clarify important dates, such as when coverage starts or ends, which may vary depending on company policy.
It’s important to confirm whether moving qualifies as a life event that lets them change or enroll in health coverage. HR can provide information on paperwork, deadlines, and specific steps required for this process.
If a waiting period applies before coverage starts, HR can explain the duration and any options for interim coverage. They may also have details about COBRA or other short-term solutions if there’s a gap.
Clear and timely communication with HR will help avoid accidental lapses in coverage. Employees should keep records of all communications and follow up as needed to ensure their insurance needs are met.
Understanding Eligibility Requirements
Moving to a new state or area can affect health insurance options. To enroll in a new health plan, a person needs to meet certain criteria, provide specific documents, and, in many cases, qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Residency Criteria and Documentation
Most health plans require applicants to show proof of legal residency in the state where they are applying. This normally means having a physical address and planning to stay there. Common documents that verify residency include a lease, utility bill, state-issued ID, or a mortgage statement.
Citizenship or lawful presence is also required for most Marketplace coverage. Applicants must often provide a Social Security number or other identifying details. For Medicaid, each state has its own set of rules but generally checks residency, income, and immigration status.
Submitting the correct paperwork is crucial. In some cases, additional documentation may be requested if initial documents are unclear or incomplete.
Special Enrollment Periods
Most people can only sign up for health insurance during Open Enrollment. However, moving to a new state or certain changes in household can trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs typically last 60 days from the date of the move.
Events that qualify for an SEP include:
Moving to a new state or ZIP code
Losing other qualifying health coverage
Certain other life events like marriage or birth
It's important to apply for coverage promptly, as missing the SEP window could mean waiting until the next Open Enrollment. Every SEP requires supporting documents, like proof of the move or evidence of lost coverage, before enrollment is approved.
Managing Coverage Transitions
After a move, securing continuous health insurance coverage is critical to avoid gaps and loss of benefits. Timely coordination with both former and new insurance providers helps prevent unexpected costs or disruptions in care.
Bridging Gaps in Health Insurance
A move often triggers a special enrollment period (SEP), which allows individuals up to 60 days to sign up for a new plan. Failing to enroll promptly can leave a gap in coverage, leading to out-of-pocket expenses if medical care is needed during that time.
To prevent gaps, individuals should explore short-term health insurance options if immediate enrollment in new coverage is not possible. Some employers offer continuation coverage through COBRA, which can extend benefits temporarily. If eligible, Medicaid may also provide temporary protection, ensuring access to essential services.
Below is a quick reference for bridging options:
Situation Possible Action Waiting for employer plan Consider short-term insurance Ineligible for COBRA Assess Medicaid or state programs Delayed Marketplace start Apply for special enrollment
Acting quickly and understanding available resources can minimize coverage interruptions after a move.
Coordination With Previous Insurers
Notifying the previous insurer of a change in address or state is important to avoid overlapping premiums and coverage issues. Most plans offered through an employer or state-based Exchange will not transfer automatically to a new location.
It is essential to obtain a certificate of creditable coverage or termination letter from the former provider. This documentation may be required by the new insurer to confirm dates of prior coverage and avoid penalties for late enrollment or pre-existing condition waiting periods.
A checklist for coordinating with previous insurers:
Contact the former insurer to confirm plan termination date
Request all necessary documentation
Update personal records with new coverage details
Prompt coordination helps ensure a smoother transition and proper coverage during and after the move.
