Senior Moving From Illinois to California

By: Mark Mabaquiao

 

Dear Medicare Mark,

I recently retired and purchased a medicare supplement plan G and prescription drug plan. I live in Hinsdale, but I am considering moving to California to be closer to my daughter and my grandkids. If I decide to move, do I need to change my supplement and drug plan?

– Jorge H. from Hinsdale, IL.

Answer: Thank you for your question. Basically, the answer is yes and no. First let’s deal with your supplement Plan G. You do not have to change your supplement when you move. The benefits are the same in Illinois as it is in California.

You should consider changing your supplement if plans cost less or if you have a medicare supplement “select” plan, which limits your provider network if you were hospitalized.

With your prescription drug plan, you will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which means you can switch plans. Medicare.gov says, “If you tell your plan before you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month before the month you move and continues for two full months after you move.

If you tell your plan after you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month you tell your plan, plus two more full months.”

If you have a Medicare question(s), please forward them to mark@centricins.com or text to 847.780.6028. Please include your first name, initial of last name, and city where you reside.