How to Get Retirement Health Insurance If I Move to Another State
- 1). Look at the type of coverage you carry. If your company plan is an HMO, then they only cover you for emergencies if you use health care facilities not in the provider group. If you're moving hundreds of miles away, you'll need to get different coverage. If you plan to move after retirement, consider switching to a plan the year you retire that allows you to go to any doctor or hospital.
- 2). See if your company has facilities in the state where you'll live. If it does have a location in that state, there's a good chance that you'll be able to continue the coverage. Make sure that you check with the human resources director to find the plans carried in that state.
- 3). Check whether the insurance company sells health insurance in that state. Sometimes insurance companies allow you to simply change the state. If your company pays the bill, it may not do so if you change states. If you're in poor health and can't qualify for another insurance, it is still a viable option to pay the premium out of pocket.
- 4). Find carriers in the state where you plan to live and make local arrangements. Health insurance coverage is important, too important to leave to chance. Start ahead of time if you know you'll need a different company and look for carriers that offer policies in your state and your new one. The local agent can help find the pricing in the new state or direct you to a representative there. You also can find prices for health insurance online.
- 5). Check for organizational group insurance. Many different national organizations offer group plans. You can often find ones that run lower in price than individual plans due to the larger numbers. AARP is one group that has plans. Some of them have "no pre-existing conditions" clauses.
- 6). Call the Insurance Commissioner's office for the types of plans available in the location where you intend to live. While the state regulator can't make recommendations, they can tell you the types of plans available and the companies that write them. Often they have a website with a rating chart listing customer complaints. This gives you an idea of the company's quality of service. Call the companies you select and find the names of local agents or simply inquire about the costs.