🏡 Moving to a Rural Area? Here's How It May Impact Your Medicare Advantage Plan Options

June 10th, 2025

Considering a move to the countryside? Rural living can be peaceful, scenic, and cost-effective — but when it comes to your Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, it’s important to understand how relocation may affect your healthcare coverage and provider access.

At Kim & Co Agency, we help seniors across both urban and rural areas navigate these changes. If you're thinking about relocating, here’s what you need to know before packing up.

🔍 What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans are private health plans approved by Medicare that combine Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage. Many plans also include Part D prescription coverage and extras like dental, vision, and hearing benefits. These plans are offered by insurers like Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and others — and they are location-based.

📍 How Moving to a Rural Area Can Affect Your Medicare Advantage Options

1. Fewer Plan Choices

In major cities, seniors often have access to 30+ Medicare Advantage plans, but in rural counties, that number may drop significantly — sometimes to 5 or fewer, or even none in rare cases.

This is because:

• Insurance providers may not offer networks in sparsely populated areas.
• There are fewer doctors and hospitals, making it harder to create local provider networks.
• Plans with special perks like gym memberships or $0 premiums are often market-driven and less available in low-density areas.

2. Limited Provider Networks

Medicare Advantage plans typically use HMO or PPO networks. In rural areas:

• HMO plans may force you to travel farther to see a specialist or even a primary doctor.
• PPOs might offer more flexibility, but still rely on in-network provider availability, which may be sparse.

💡 Tip: Always check the provider directory before enrolling in a plan if you're moving to a rural area.

3. Reduced Access to Extra Benefits

Those “extra perks” — dental, vision, hearing aids, fitness programs — might not be as robust (or available at all) in rural ZIP codes. These are often offered where insurers see higher demand and competitive pressure.

4. Coverage Area Changes Trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you move out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area:

• You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
• You’ll typically have 2 full months after your move to join a new Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare + a Medicare Supplement plan.

❗ It’s critical to avoid gaps in coverage. Speak with a licensed Medicare advisor before the move.

🛠️ What Are Your Options if Your New Area Has Fewer Plans?

✅ Option 1: Switch Back to Original Medicare + Medigap

If Medicare Advantage options are limited or no longer meet your needs, you can:

• Go back to Original Medicare (Part A and B).
• Add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan for help with deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
• Enroll in a standalone Part D plan for prescription coverage.

💬 This route often provides more provider flexibility — ideal in rural areas with limited networks.

✅ Option 2: Enroll in a Local Medicare Advantage PPO (if available)

Some rural areas do have PPO-based Advantage plans that:

• Offer broader networks.
• Allow you to see out-of-network providers (at a higher cost).

This may be a good middle ground for rural residents.

👩‍⚕️ Why Work With a Local Medicare Broker?

Whether you’re moving to Hall, Gwinnett, Dekalb, or Fulton County in Georgia — or heading to more remote farmland — an independent broker like Kim & Co Agency can:

• Research which plans are available in your new ZIP code.
• Compare costs, coverage, and provider networks.
• Help you avoid costly coverage gaps.
• Ensure your doctors and medications are still covered after your move.

🌾 Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead Before You Relocate

Moving to a rural area doesn’t mean you have to compromise your healthcare — but it does mean being strategic.

Before you move:
✅ Review your current plan's coverage area
✅ Explore options in your new ZIP code
✅ Talk to a licensed Medicare advisor about your best alternatives

👉 At Kim & Co Agency, we’re here to help make that transition smooth. Call us or visit www.kimcoagency.com to schedule your free consultation today!