ACA and state of Origin

[Jack_Pine]

Question. We live in IL and going to retire in a year, then build house in Wi and snow bird to FL.

If we buy insurance in Il and then move to WI, will that policy transfer to something in WI...or do you have to cancel and re-buy in WI.

Once that is settled will all these policies cover us while we are in FL for 4 months/yr?

 

[MichaelB]

Policies are state specific, so when you move you will have to get a new policy on the state exchange of your new residence. As for snowbirding, each policy defines its own network where coverage is available, and many will only cover non-emergency services in the region where the policyholder lives. You will need to get a policy that offers nation-wide coverage if you want to be certain you have access to normal care in both states. One PPACA mandate (for 2016) is for each state exchange to have a minimum of two policies that offer nationwide coverage.

 

[Jack_Pine]

Thanks for the info.

Do you know if the enrollment period is waived for someone just moving into the state? Say we have an IL policy and it works out that we move to WI in June. Can you buy a policy then? I know at work there are exceptions to enrolling outside of ope enrollment.

Again, thanks for your response.

 

[MichaelB]

Yes, a change in state residence is a "qualifying event" that will allow you to get a new policy on a state exchange outside of the normal enrollment period. See here 45 CFR 155.420 - Special enrollment periods. | Title 45 - Public Welfare | Code of Federal Regulations | LII / Legal Information Institute

A qualified individual or enrollee gains access to new QHPs as a result of a permanent move

One thing I would expect is when the policies change, the yearly deductible starts again, so in effect you would need to pay the deductible twice.

 

[Jack_Pine]

Thanks MB. Hoped you would respond. and you did...you da man

No other snow birds? Need to find a forum to discuss bird issues.....

 

[FinanceGeek]

As for snowbirding, each policy defines its own network where coverage is available, and many will only cover non-emergency services in the region where the policyholder lives. You will need to get a policy that offers nation-wide coverage if you want to be certain you have access to normal care in both states. One PPACA mandate (for 2016) is for each state exchange to have a minimum of two policies that offer nationwide coverage.

The issue of exchange policies networks being state specific affects more than snowbirds - many folks live in a metro area that encompasses more than one state...