Dear Marci,
I’m thinking about moving but I’m worried about staying enrolled in my cost assistance programs. I’m currently enrolled in an MSP, and I also receive Extra Help. Will moving affect my cost assistance programs?
– Thelma (Silverbrook, PA)
Dear Thelma,
Whether moving will affect your cost assistance programs or not depends on whether you are moving within your state or outside of your state. If you are moving to a new residence within the same state, cost assistance programs like the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) and Extra Help will not be affected.
However, because MSP eligibility requirements are state-specific and MSP applications are processed at the state level, your MSP will not follow you if you move to another state. You will need to apply for an MSP in the state to which you are moving. To ask about cost assistance programs in another state, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) by calling 877-839-2675 or visiting www.shiphelp.org.
Extra Help benefits, however, will not be affected by a move to a new state in most circumstances. If you applied for Extra Help directly from Social Security, then your Extra Help enrollment will continue completely uninterrupted. It is important to note, however, that if you were automatically enrolled in Extra Help because you had Medicaid or an MSP, but then lose Medicaid coverage or the MSP because of your move to a different state, your Extra Help will end if you do not take further action. The date it ends will depend on the month you lost your MSP or Medicaid. If you lost MSP or Medicaid before July 1, your Extra Help ends at the end of that calendar year. If you had Medicaid or an MSP for July or any subsequent month, your Extra Help ends at the end of the following calendar year. To avoid losing Extra Help you can enroll in Medicaid or an MSP in your new state or apply for Extra Help directly through Social Security.
Hope this answers your question!
-Marci