Making moves?

Is moving in your future? You may be surprised to find that changing your zip code can affect your Medicare coverage. Did you know that the availability of certain Medicare programs changes based on where you live? Medicare networks are dependent upon the supplier of each individual plan, this varies according to the region and is why zip code matters in terms of your Medicare eligibility.

When changing your zip code for a change of scenery you must also remember your Medicare plan must also be updated. If you move from your current zip code, you will have 60 days to change your plan. Once an update is noted your coverage will disenroll you automatically from your old plan when your new plan’s coverage begins.

Do I have to update my plan?

Yes! Please do not avoid updating, Plans are in fact based on your service area.

Medicare is a federal program and as long as you are eligible, it’s equally available to all U.S. States. Wondering if you are eligible? Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years and are receiving Social security or retirement benefits OR have worked long enough to be eligible for those benefits but are not yet collecting them. You or your spouse is a government employee who has not paid into Social security but has paid Medicare taxes while working. Younger Than 65? People with disabilities, ALS, or permanent kidney failure automatically qualifies you. If you do not qualify on your own or through your spouse’s work record you may be eligible to get full Medicare benefits at age 65 or older, you just have to buy into them.

What is offered? Hospital Insurance, known as Part A. Part B helps to cover doctor’s visits or other outpatient services. Lastly, there is Part D, which is your prescription drug coverage. You can enroll in part B without Part A, however, in buying Part A you must also enroll in Part B. By being enrolled in A or B you are eligible to get Part D. Medicare Advantage plan is a private insurance alternative available if you are enrolled in both A and B. With A and B you can also buy a Medigap supplemental insurance policy.

However, availability and pricing may vary from state to state. If your plan is through a private insurer your change of address and request for a new card can be done so directly by phone. You can find the contact information of your insurance provider on the back of your Medicare plan membership card.

Medicare relies on the information you provide

If you recently have moved and did not update your address you should do so as soon as possible. Reporting the change and updating your address will ensure your Medicare file and cards are up to date. Medicare uses the address on file to send important information you do not want to miss. This includes all coverage details and billing information. By making sure that Medicare has your current address on file you can avoid losing any important mail. Medicare relies on information from your IEQ to pay your claims correctly. If you have added or modified additional insurance; Contact them and let them know.

To avoid any confusion Medicare routinely sends a Summary notice every three months. This is not a bill but will show you what services were billed to Medicare, what you paid, and what you may owe. Claims can also be viewed online as well. As always, it’s a good idea to keep a record of each time you see a provider/doctor, or services, with dates and invoices. Checking your records against bills that your provider sends is a great way to verify you are billed correctly. In the event, you were billed incorrectly or missed a bill due to a lack of address change Medicare may deny payment for a service. If you think you should be covered – contact your health care provider to verify the claim was filed correctly. If the provider had made an error the claim may need to be resubmitted. In the event you believe you were incorrectly billed; you have the right to appeal a decision if you believe that your plan should have covered a service.

*Updates can be submitted with a notice online, In person, or by phone. If you are finding this to be difficult please remember that I am at your disposal as a relational agent.