Health-Care Shock in Retirement
Your insurance premium may not be the same when you relocate to a new town.

People thinking about moving after retirement are more concerned with the weather than they are about changes in health-care costs, according to a recent survey. But a comparison of insurance prices shows that failing to compare Medicare premiums could lead to surprises. That's because rates can vary greatly-by locale, company or both. The low-cost provider you researched so diligently in one place may be one of the most expensive elsewhere.
Premium prices depend on the cost of care in a given community and on the local pool of insured customers. "If you're moving, you shouldn't assume that your costs will be anywhere near what you're paying today," says Peter Landau, vice-president of Longevity Alliance, a network of insurance brokers.
For example, a 67-year-old female nonsmoker might pay $1,383 a year in Chicago for a standardized Plan F Medicare supplement policy, but she'd pay $3,527 for the same coverage with the same company in Miami and $1,207 in Phoenix. With a competing firm, she'd pay $2,736 a year in Miami and $1,440 in Phoenix.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Medicare Advantage plans, based on regional networks of doctors and services, don't transfer at all. You'll have to enroll anew, assuming an Advantage option is available. The plans aren't standardized, so you'll need to scrutinize benefits.
As long as your health hasn't changed, some comparison-shopping is in order. At Medicare.gov, you'll find a range of rates, benefits and contact information for companies providing coverage in a certain zip code. Or contact a broker who represents a variety of companies and plans.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Anne Kates Smith brings Wall Street to Main Street, with decades of experience covering investments and personal finance for real people trying to navigate fast-changing markets, preserve financial security or plan for the future. She oversees the magazine's investing coverage, authors Kiplinger’s biannual stock-market outlooks and writes the "Your Mind and Your Money" column, a take on behavioral finance and how investors can get out of their own way. Smith began her journalism career as a writer and columnist for USA Today. Prior to joining Kiplinger, she was a senior editor at U.S. News & World Report and a contributing columnist for TheStreet. Smith is a graduate of St. John's College in Annapolis, Md., the third-oldest college in America.
-
Should You Do A Roth IRA Conversion? Nine Things to Consider
The Tax Letter Thinking of converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA? The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor highlights nine factors you should consider before making a move.
By Joy Taylor
-
33 Stocks That Could Rally 50% or More This Year
Analysts say these S&P 500 stocks have at least 50% price upside over the next year or so.
By Dan Burrows
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
By Vaishali Varu
-
How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Need
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford
-
Amazon Big Deal Days Is Coming! We’ve Got All the Details
Amazon Prime To kick off the holiday season with a bang, Amazon Big Deal Days runs Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
By Bob Niedt
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate
Becoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
By Daniel Bortz
-
Retirees, It's Not Too Late to Buy Life Insurance
life insurance Improvements in underwriting have made it easier to qualify for life insurance, which can be a useful estate-planning tool.
By David Rodeck