Medical insurance coverage may not follow you across state lines. Neither will your doctors, presumably.
Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding the coverage that insurance policies have to provide. As a result, insurance companies sell state-specific policies, which comply with the laws of the state where a policyholder resides. Depending on your insurance provider and policy, and the laws of the states you're moving from and to, you may lose your medical insurance coverage after moving to another state.
HMO vs. PPO
If you have a health maintenance organization (HMO) insurance policy, you have to obtain medical care from one primary-care physician and see specialists only by referral of the primary-care physician. The narrow network may mean that you can't find an approved physician in your new state. You may still get coverage if you're willing to travel to your old state for medical care. In contrast, a preferred provider organization (PPO) usually allows you to access out-of-network care, so you may retain your coverage.
Medicare
If you are a senior who is eligible for Medicare, you may retain some Medicare coverage after moving to another state. Original Medicare, Parts A and B will cover you regardless of the state where you reside. However, other features of Medicare insurance plans apply only to certain states. As such, you may lose these state-specific coverages after moving. Before moving, you may consult senior care managers for advice on policy options to replace your current policy.
HIPAA and COBRA
The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) establishes the minimum standards of medical insurance plans employers offer. State authorities may set more-stringent standards and more generous coverage than those set by HIPAA. If you move away from a state with generous insurance coverage, you may lose some privileges. If you lost your job and obtained the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) policy before moving, you would retain the same coverage as you did under your old policy.
Considerations
Some states enter into reciprocity agreements with other states to maintain your government insurance policy coverage if you move from one state to another. This means that the new state will recognize your old insurance policy. However, state reciprocity agreements may change. If you have private insurance, whether your policy is portable depends on your specific insurance plan. Before moving, consult your insurance provider to determine whether you can retain your old coverage after moving.
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