How To Switch Medicaid From State To State
You cannot formally transfer Medicaid from state to state.
However, with careful planning, you can gain eligibility in your new state without a lapse in benefits.
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Can Medicaid Benefits be Transferred from State to State?
The US federal government sets parameters for the Medicaid program.
Within these guidelines, each of the fifty states operates its Medicaid program differently.
Consequently, Medicaid eligibility requirements vary across states.
You cannot transfer Medicaid benefits from one state to another, nor can you receive Medicaid benefits simultaneously in two states.
Instead, you must close your Medicaid case, and therefore your benefits, in your original state and then reapply for Medicaid in the state to which you are relocating.
Fortunately, there are no length-of-residency requirements to apply for Medicaid.
This means you can apply for Medicaid benefits in your new state immediately after relocating.
However, some states require a minimum nursing home length of stay (30 days) before you can apply for Nursing Home Medicaid.
A common concern is the potential lapse of benefits between canceling your Medicaid plan in your original state and reapplying (and becoming eligible) in the new state.
Luckily, most states offer Retroactive Medicaid coverage, which allows for up to three months of Medicaid coverage immediately before the month of application.
Once Retroactive Medicaid eligibility is established, Medicaid will pay unpaid, qualified medical expenses from this retroactive period.
Variations in State Medicaid Plans
Eligibility requirements for Medicaid vary by state, necessitating reapplication when relocating.
Income and asset limits are generally consistent, but moving to a more restrictive state may require financial adjustments.
For instance, New York and Florida have contrasting asset limits, while California lacks such limits post-2024.
Additionally, long-term care eligibility depends on meeting each state’s criteria, which can differ significantly.
Some states also have residency requirements, like a 30-day nursing home stay in Texas and Nevada before applying.
Because of these differences, it is recommended to consult a Professional Medicaid Planner for achieving successful Medicaid acceptance across states.
How to Relocate and Still Receive Medicaid Benefits
Although it may pose difficulties, moving from one state to another and switching to obtaining Medicaid coverage in the new state is achievable.
Conduct Your Research
Before relocating, research and understand the financial, functional, and potential nursing home minimum length of stay eligibility criteria in both your current state of residence and the state you plan to move to.
Keep in mind that these criteria vary between states, including how they determine your level of care need.
Additionally, note that Retroactive Medicaid coverage may not be available everywhere.
Contact the local Medicaid office in your prospective new area for detailed information and inquire about the specific Medicaid coverage group that applies to you.
Review the state-by-state Medicaid financial eligibility criteria for clarity.
Arrange for a Functional Assessment
Before terminating your Medicaid benefits in your current state, consider completing a functional assessment in your prospective new state.
This assessment will help you determine if you meet the functional eligibility criteria in the new state.
If not functionally eligible, reconsider relocation plans or think about moving to a state with less strict requirements.
Consult a Professional Medicaid Planner
Hire a Professional Medicaid Planner to gather information, adjust finances, and prepare application documents for the new state.
Their expertise in Medicaid plans and Waivers across all 50 states ensures they offer invaluable guidance.
Coordinate Your Move Strategically
Time your move for month-end; some states don’t end current coverage until then.
Consider canceling in your old state at month-end, moving, and applying in a new state.
Be aware: states like Illinois might need cancellation proof before processing a new Medicaid case.
According to an analysis by Eldercare Resource Planning, the average processing time for a Medicaid application is 83 days.
Transferring Medicaid when on HCBS or 1915(c) Waivers
Transferring Medicaid from state to state poses challenges, especially for those receiving Home and Community-Based Services via Medicaid Waiver programs.
Medicaid Waivers facilitate care at home or in alternate settings for those who might otherwise require nursing home care.
However, each state’s waiver programs differ, which can complicate transitions between states.
For instance, some states lack specific waiver types like assisted living or adult foster care.
Moreover, Medicaid Waivers aren’t guaranteed; they have limited spots and lengthy waitlists.
This means that transferring from one state’s waiver to a similar program in another state could lead to months or even years on a waitlist.
A Medicaid planner can provide insights on compatible waivers, waitlist status, and prioritization criteria.
Individuals on Medicaid Waivers must carefully consider state-to-state moves.
Additionally, transitioning from a waiver to regular Medicaid might entail an extended nursing home stay due to waitlists for the new state’s waiver program.
Conclusion
You cannot directly transfer Medicaid coverage from state to state.
Instead, you must end your Medicaid coverage in your current state and reapply in your new state.
While the process can be complicated, proper research and advance planning can help ensure minimal or no loss of coverage.
Although the federal government funds Medicaid, each state runs its own Medicaid program with varying eligibility requirements for Long Term Care coverage.
These differences prevent a simple transfer of coverage, eligibility in one state doesn’t guarantee eligibility in another.