Just Moved? Here's How to Buy New Health Insurance
You’ll be navigating lots of changes when you move. But one you might not have realized? You can get new health insurance.
That’s right, moving to a new county or ZIP code qualifies you to buy health insurance during a Special Enrollment Period, an opportunity to enroll in coverage outside of Open Enrollment, the annual window from November 1 to December 15 where anyone can apply for insurance.
Even if you already have a health plan, you may have new options now in your new location — and you might even find something more affordable. Now is a great opportunity to check out what’s available. Here’s how.
5 Steps to Find the Perfect Health Plan
1. Learn the Basics
Need a refresher on how health insurance works? Check out this quick guide. In just a few minutes, you’ll learn all the essentials about health insurance features, how doctor networks function, and more to move forward confidently.
2. Make Your Purchase Within 60 Days
Moving to a new county or ZIP code is what’s called a qualifying life event, which means you have 60 days after your move to get a new plan or make changes to your coverage. If you sign up for a new plan, make sure you have proof of residency (like utility b ills from your new and former addresses) or an apartment lease. Many insurers require Qualifying Event Documentation to prove you really moved!
Pro tip: Finding the right documentation when moving can be tricky. If you don’t have the necessary forms in your name, reach out to our team. We'll help you prepare an affidavit that’s generally accepted by insurance companies.
3. Find a Good Doctor Network
Different plans provide different access to doctors, called networks of providers. When you’re shopping for a new plan in a new area, make sure you can see doctors you’ll like. Ask around for recommendations or read online reviews and doctor ratings. Then, make sure one or two great options are included in your plan’s network. Stride can help you pick a plan that covers the doctors you want to see.
4. Compare Costs
While health plans with low monthly payments may look like they save you more, they can leave you with big medical bills if you have a lot of health costs. If you anticipate many prescriptions and doctor visits in the next year, consider a plan with higher monthly payments (like a Gold tier plan). It can save you more by keeping the costs of doctor visits, medications, and treatments lower while offering more expansive access to different doctors and specialists.
Not a numbers person? Just search for a plan on our site and let us handle the calculations. Our side-by-side comparison tool helps you visualize costs and savings in a streamlined, easy-to-understand format. You can also reach out to our licensed health insurance agents for personal advice!
5. Find Ways to Save
Not sure how to afford health insurance? Here are a few resources:
Government subsidies: Depending on your income, you may qualify for government discounted plans. In fact, four out of five people can find a plan for less than $10 per month thanks to these subsidies. If you’d like to calculate your government subsidy, search for a health plan on Stride and make sure to answer “yes” to this question when filling out your application: Do you want to find out if you can get help paying for health coverage?
Catastrophic plans: Don’t let the name scare you! Catastrophic plans are plans with low monthly payments and very high deductibles (the amount you pay before insurance covers the bill). This is a good fit if you’re young, healthy, and rarely get sick. If you’re under 30, you qualify to buy one.
HSAs: Considering a plan with a high deductible? Get one that's paired with a health savings account or HSA. These accounts let you set aside pre-tax money to spend on your health expenses, which can ultimately save you money.
