How to Change Health Insurance After Moving to Another State: Timeline, Steps, and Solutions

By Olivia ParkerLast Updated July 31, 2025

Why Moving States Requires a Health Insurance Change

Relocating to a new state comes with many logistical challenges, and one of the most important is maintaining continuous health insurance coverage. Health insurance networks and regulations typically operate on a state-by-state basis, meaning your existing plan will not automatically transfer when you move across state lines. Even if your insurer operates in both states, the specific plans and provider networks may differ, often requiring you to select a new policy. Failing to update your health insurance promptly can result in coverage gaps, denied claims, or costly out-of-network bills [3] .

Understanding the 60-Day Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

The special enrollment period (SEP) provides a critical window for individuals who move to a new state to update their health insurance outside the annual open enrollment period. If you had coverage prior to your move, you qualify for an SEP that lasts 60 days from your official move date. During this time, you can shop for and enroll in a new plan-either through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, your new state’s exchange, or directly from insurers [1] [2] [5] . If you miss this 60-day window, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period to get new coverage, risking a gap in protection.

Who Needs to Change Plans After Moving?

Most people who purchase coverage individually or through the Health Insurance Marketplace must change plans when moving to a new state. The only exceptions are:

Large employer coverage: If your employer offers national coverage and you remain with the same company, your plan may continue uninterrupted. However, you should confirm network availability and provider participation in your new location [2] .
COBRA continuation: If you opt for COBRA coverage from your previous employer, you may keep your plan temporarily, but this is often costly and may have network limitations [5] .

For everyone else, switching to a new state-specific plan is mandatory, as most insurers do not extend network coverage across state lines [1] .

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Health Insurance After Moving

Report Your Move Immediately Notify your current health insurance provider and the Health Insurance Marketplace as soon as you know your new address. This step is crucial to start your special enrollment period and avoid paying premiums for a plan that no longer covers you [3] .
Determine Your Marketplace Some states use the federal marketplace (HealthCare.gov), while others run their own exchanges. You can find this information by searching for your state’s official health insurance exchange or visiting HealthCare.gov to be redirected.
Start a New Application Begin a new application in your new state, either through HealthCare.gov or your state’s exchange website. Provide your updated address and any changes to your household or income. Be sure to select the correct coverage year [3] .
Compare Available Plans Each state offers different plans and provider networks. Review plan details, costs, deductibles, and covered services carefully. If you need financial assistance, check your eligibility for subsidies when applying through an official marketplace [5] .
Select and Enroll in a New Plan Choose the plan that best meets your needs. Complete enrollment by paying your first premium. Your coverage start date will typically be the first day of the month after you enroll, but confirm this with your new insurer [1] .

Important Deadlines and Timing

You have 60 days from the date of your move to enroll in a new health insurance plan using the special enrollment period. If you fail to act within this window, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period, which typically runs from November 1 to January 15 each year [3] [4] . To avoid gaps in coverage:

Report your move as early as possible, ideally before you leave your previous state.
If possible, start researching and comparing plans before your move date to expedite the process.

Examples and Real-World Scenarios

Example 1: Maria moves from Texas to California. She had a marketplace plan in Texas and reports her move with HealthCare.gov. She learns California has its own exchange (Covered California), so she applies there, compares available plans, and selects a new policy within 30 days of her move. Her new coverage starts at the beginning of the next month, preventing any gap.

Example 2: James relocates to Florida for a new job. He notifies his insurer and applies for a new plan through HealthCare.gov (since Florida uses the federal marketplace). He misses the 60-day SEP window and must wait for open enrollment, leaving him temporarily uninsured.

Potential Challenges and How to Address Them

Missed Deadlines: If you do not enroll within the 60-day SEP, you may be left uninsured until the next open enrollment. As a solution, consider short-term health insurance or check if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP in your new state, which may have year-round enrollment options. Always verify state-specific rules for these programs.

Temporary Moves: For those who split time between states (such as seasonal workers or retirees), it is generally best to maintain health insurance in your primary state of residence. Multi-state employer plans may offer broader coverage, but individual market plans are usually state-specific [5] .

Waiting Periods for Employer Coverage: If your new job provides health benefits, you may need to wait up to 90 days before coverage begins. During this time, consider COBRA, short-term plans, or state Medicaid programs for interim coverage.

Alternative Approaches and Special Cases

In some cases, you may qualify for an SEP when moving within the same state if your new address significantly changes your available plan options. Students, seasonal workers, and those moving from transitional housing may also be eligible. If you are unsure, contact your new state’s health insurance exchange or visit the federal HealthCare.gov site for guidance.

For those needing immediate assistance or unsure how to proceed, you can:

Call the Health Insurance Marketplace Call Center for personalized help.
Search for your state’s official health insurance exchange and use their customer support services.
Contact local insurance agents or certified navigators for free enrollment assistance.

Key Takeaways for a Smooth Transition

Act quickly: Begin the process as soon as you know your move date to maximize your SEP window.

Gather necessary documents: Have proof of your new address and prior coverage ready for your application.

Compare all options: Review plans carefully, considering your medical needs, provider networks, and prescription coverage.

Seek help if needed: Free resources are available through official marketplaces and community organizations to guide your selection and enrollment.