Moving to Florida or Texas? Stop! You Might Lose Your Medigap Plan Forever

Moving to Florida or Texas? Stop!

You have sold the big family house in the cold North. You are ready to retire to the sunny beaches of Florida, Arizona, or Texas. You have packed your furniture, but have you checked your health insurance?

Most seniors assume their Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan moves with them like a driver's license. It does not. Depending on the state you move to, you could be forced to re-apply for insurance. If you have a pre-existing condition—like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer history—you could be denied coverage completely.

Today, we expose the "Moving Trap" that leaves thousands of retirees uninsured and facing medical bankruptcy.

---

The Myth: "Medicare is National, So I'm Fine"

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is national. It works anywhere in the US. But Medigap (Plan G, Plan N) is sold by private companies regulated by state laws.

When you first turned 65, you had a "Medigap Open Enrollment Period." During those 6 months, companies had to sell you a policy regardless of your health. That was your "Golden Ticket." Once that period ends, the ticket expires in most states.

The Danger: Medical Underwriting

If you move to a new state, you usually keep your existing Medigap policy if your current insurance carrier sells that same plan in your new zip code. But the price usually adjusts to the new area's rate (often higher in FL or TX).

However, if your current carrier does not operate in your new state, you must buy a new plan. Here is the trap: In most states, moving simply because you want to does NOT grant you "Guaranteed Issue" rights.

• Scenario: You move from New York to Florida.
• The Reality: You must apply for a new Florida Medigap plan. The insurance company will check your medical records (Underwriting).
• The Result: If you had a knee replacement or heart attack last year, they can legally say "No" or charge you significantly higher premiums.

The "Hidden" Loophole: Medicare SELECT

Here is a secret most agents miss. Do you currently have a Medicare SELECT plan (a Medigap plan with a restricted hospital network)?

If you move out of your Medicare SELECT plan's service area, federal law grants you a Guaranteed Issue right to buy a standard Medigap policy (like Plan G) in your new state without health questions. This is one of the few "Get Out of Jail Free" cards available.

The "Safe" States vs. The "Danger" States

Where you move matters. Some states have special rules that protect seniors. Others do not.

The "Birthday Rule" States (Safer)

States like California, Oregon, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, Kentucky, and Louisiana have rules allowing you to switch plans around your birthday each year without a medical exam. Moving to these states offers more future flexibility.

The "Underwriting" States (Dangerous)

States like Florida, Texas, and Arizona generally allow insurers to ask health questions if you are applying outside your initial 65-year-old window. If you are sick and moving here, you risk being stuck with only Original Medicare (and its 20% unlimited gaps).

The Medicare Advantage Alternative

If you cannot pass the health questions for a Medigap plan, your only other option might be Medicare Advantage (Part C).

Moving grants you a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to join a Medicare Advantage plan. They cannot deny you based on health. However, strictly understand the trade-off: You will be trading your flexible, nationwide Medigap coverage for a restrictive HMO/PPO network that often requires prior authorizations.

Action Plan: Check Before You Pack

Do not sign a closing contract on a new house until you verify your insurance portability.

1. Call Your Current Carrier: Ask, "Do you sell Medigap Plan G in [New Zip Code]? Will you allow me to transfer my policy?"
2. Call a Broker in the New State: Don't guess. Ask a local licensed agent: "Does moving to your state grant me Guaranteed Issue rights for Medigap?"
3. Understand Residency Rules: Some "Snowbirds" try to keep their old address to keep better insurance. Warning: This can be considered insurance fraud if you do not physically reside there for more than 6 months a year. Always follow legal residency requirements.

(Disclaimer: Insurance laws are state-specific and subject to change. Guaranteed Issue rights are complex. This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed Medicare broker in your destination state before cancelling any existing coverage.)

Secure Your Health

Retirement should be about relaxing, not fighting with insurance companies. Secure your healthcare transfer before you call the movers.