It's spring, which means moving season is upon us. When you move, you have a lot to consider, including getting your address updated with all of your contacts; updating Social Security, DMV, and other government agencies; and finding your new favorite restaurants, small businesses, and grocery stores. But you need to add another thing to that list: updating your health coverage.
If you move across town, across Oregon, to another state, or to Oregon, you need to report your move to the Marketplace (or your current insurance company) and see if you need to make any changes to your coverage. Plan options may be different using your new home address, so you may need to change your plan. Here are some quick tips on what to do:
If you live in Oregon and are staying within Oregon:
- Log in to HealthCare.gov and report that you moved. The Marketplace will let you know if you need to look at your health coverage options again. Visit go.usa.gov/xHV9h to learn how to report your move to the Marketplace.
- Your current plan may not be available to you at your new address. Check out the plan options now available. Not sure what to choose? Talk with a local expert to get advice on what plans are similar to your current coverage. Find local help at OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp.
- You may be eligible for a special enrollment period, which is a 60-day window when you can shop and enroll in coverage due to your move. If your plan options are different at your new address or if your current plan is no longer available to you, you will qualify for this special enrollment period. The 60-day window begins either on the date your coverage ends or the date you move, if your current coverage isn't ending.
If you live outside Oregon and are moving to Oregon:
- Visit your state Marketplace or HealthCare.gov, or contact your current insurance company to let them know you moved. They will likely close your current coverage on the last day of the current month or the month that you plan to move.
- You will be eligible for a special enrollment period, which is a 60-day window when you can shop and enroll in coverage due to your move. The 60-day window begins on the date your coverage ends.
- Once you have been told when your coverage is ending, you can visit HealthCare.gov to apply for coverage in Oregon. You need to provide your new Oregon address and you may be asked to provide proof that you moved. You can report the date your previous coverage is ending to trigger the special enrollment period.
- If you need help, you can talk with an expert local to Oregon. Many insurance agents are offering assistance via phone or web meeting. You can find local help at OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp.
In addition to updating your health coverage, make sure to consider that you may need to find a new provider. Talk to your new health plan to find a provider that is currently accepting new patients and within the plan's network. This is an important task so you are ready to go when or if you need to make an appointment or seek care. We also recommend familiarizing yourself with hospitals and urgent care clinics near your new home. This includes finding out which facilities are in network for your new or current coverage.
Good luck with your move and best wishes in your new home!