How to Transfer Medicaid Between States

Using Medicaid Out of State

You might be wondering if you can usde your Medicaid coverage in any state? The answer is No. Because each state has its own Medicaid eligibility requirements, you can't just transfer coverage from one state to another, nor can you use your coverage when you're temporarily visiting another state.

Should a beneficiary need to be admitted to a hospital in another state or if he must receive essential, regular psychiatric care or medications from an out-of-state provider, the home state will not pay for the services through Medicaid. In these situations, a caregiver or other family member is often required to sign an agreement to pay for the services before the person with special needs can receive care.

How long does it take to transfer Medicaid to another state?

Technically, there's no formal program or option that allows you to transfer your Medicaid coverage from one state to another. Therefore, if you're relocating, you'll need to re-apply for Medicaid in the state you're planning to reside in.

A common concern is the lapse of benefits between canceling one's Medicaid plan in their original state and reapplying (and becoming eligible) in the state in which they are relocating.

Fortunately, there is retroactive Medicaid coverage available. What this means is that one can still receive Medicaid benefits (generally up to three months prior to one's Medicaid application date). Once Medicaid eligibility is established, Medicaid will pay unpaid, qualified medical expenses during this retroactive period.

While Medicaid is often thought of as a federal program, each state is given the flexibility to set their own eligibility requirements. Therefore, each state evaluates its applicants independently from each other state. Those wishing to transfer their coverage must re-apply for Medicaid in the new state.

You can also consider hiring a Texas Elder Law Attorney specializing in Medicaid planning to help with the process.

For those who are moving out of state, and needing to transfer their Medicaid benefits, you may want to plan carefully to avoid losing coverage.

Using Medicaid in a different state not as simple as you may think. Complicating matters is the fact that someone cannot be eligible for Medicaid in two states at the same time.

If you have serious health issues and are on Medicaid it is important to plan carefully in order to avoid losing coverage. Be sure to follow the rules carefully or you may find yourself without necessary health care.

In the state you are moving from, you must report that you have moved. Be sure to plan this carefully as if you report ahead of time and end up not moving, you will have to apply for coverage all over again.

Application Process

When you arrive at your new home, you must apply for Medicaid in the state you currently reside in. Be sure to call the state Medicaid office before you move to plan accordingly.

Eligibility Guidelines

Medicaid is a state-run program which means that eligibility requirements vary from one state to the next. You may qualify in your old state but not in the new one. Research eligibility requirements ahead of time.

Transferring Medicaid Benefits Out of State

Because Medicaid is administered by individual states, you cannot transfer coverage from one state to another. Also, the new state cannot open Medicaid for you until the old case is closed, which sometimes cannot occur until the end of the month in which you reported your move.

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