Can I be on Medicaid in two states?

Asked by: Doug Hirthe  |  Last update: February 4, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (34 votes)

One thing you should know about Medicaid is that you can't be covered by it in two different states at the same time. Therefore, to transfer your coverage – so to speak – you'll need to first terminate your original Medicaid coverage and then apply in your new state once you've relocated.

What happens if you get Medicaid in two states?

Medicaid coverage typically takes effect at the start of the month in which you apply, so you can have seamless coverage if you apply in a timely manner (note that you cannot have Medicaid coverage in two states simultaneously, so you must terminate your coverage in one state before coverage can start in another state) ...

Can I use my Medicaid anywhere in the US?

However, Medicaid criteria and coverage is unique to each state and eligibility does not transfer from one state to another. If you received Medicaid in another state, you must reapply and meet the guidelines for Virginia Medicaid.

Do you have to apply for Medicaid in each state?

You must be a resident of the state where you are applying for benefits. Create an account with the Health Insurance Marketplace and fill out an application. If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for Medicaid, your information will be sent to your state agency. They will contact you about enrollment.

What are the hardest states to get Medicaid?

The 10 most deficient state programs have overall scores ranging from between 317.8 and 379.1 of the total 1000 points. The worst, in order from 50th to 41st, are in Mississippi, Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Indiana, South Carolina, Colorado, Alabama, and Missouri.

Do Medicaid Benefits Transfer Between States?

18 related questions found

What disqualifies you from Medicaid?

In general, a single person must have no more than $2,000 in cash assets to qualify. If you're over 65, the requirements are more complex. Whatever your age, there are strict rules about asset transfers. Medicaid may take into consideration any gifts or transfers of cash you've made recently.

What is the best state to live in for Medicaid?

25 States With the Best Medicaid Benefits
  1. Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, you have the advantage of an extensive health insurance program called MassHealth. ...
  2. New York. ...
  3. Vermont. ...
  4. Rhode Island. ...
  5. 5. California. ...
  6. Connecticut. ...
  7. Pennsylvania. ...
  8. Washington.

How many states do not accept Medicaid?

To date, 41 states (including DC) have adopted the Medicaid expansion and 10 states have not adopted the expansion. Current status for each state is based on KFF tracking and analysis of state expansion activity.

How often does Medicaid check your bank account?

Medicaid agencies can check your account balances for bank accounts at any financial institution you've used in the past five years. They will check when you submit an application and on an annual basis, but checks can occur at any time.

What are the disadvantages of having Medicaid?

Disadvantages of Medicaid
  • Lower reimbursements and reduced revenue. Every medical practice needs to make a profit to stay in business, but medical practices that have a large Medicaid patient base tend to be less profitable. ...
  • Administrative overhead. ...
  • Extensive patient base. ...
  • Medicaid can help get new practices established.

Can you travel on Medicaid?

Traveling to another state

Generally, you can only use your Medicaid coverage out-of-state if you encounter a true life-threatening emergency that requires immediate care (meaning, there isn't time to transport you back to your home state for care).

Can I have health insurance in two states?

Multi-State Plan options are offered, along with other approved plans, on the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace is a one-stop shop where you can compare prices on health plans, buy coverage, and obtain Federal subsidies if you qualify for them.

What happens if you make too much money while on Medicaid?

If you're over the Medicaid income limit, some states let you spend down extra income or place it in a trust to help you qualify for Medicaid. If you receive long-term care but your spouse doesn't, Medicaid will allow your spouse to keep enough income to avoid living in poverty.

Are Medicaid benefits different in each state?

The federal government has general rules that all state Medicaid programs must follow, but each state runs its own program. This means eligibility requirements and benefits can vary from state to state. Medicaid offers benefits that Medicare doesn't normally cover, like nursing home care and personal care services.

Can I get health insurance in a state I don't live in?

As the law exists now, you can only buy health insurance in the state where you maintain your permanent address. Your insurance company may not cover you if you move states and do not report this change in address.

Can you bill out of state Medicaid patients?

Generally, providers cannot bill Medicaid across state lines, but there are exceptions in emergencies or specific authorized scenarios. Understanding the intricacies of each state's Medicaid program is essential to determine whether billing is feasible.

Does Medicaid track your income?

Some states use a computerized system to cross reference a Medicaid applicant's reported income. For instance, in California, an electronic database, the Income Eligibility Verification System (IEVS), is used to match the income information provided by the applicant to other databases to verify it is accurate.

How do I protect my bank account from Medicaid?

One such option to protect assets is a Medicaid Trust. By placing some of your assets in an appropriate trust, you can protect them from Medicaid and have them not be counted when you are applying for benefits.

How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?

There is no limit on the amount of cash you can have with Medicare Part A. You do have to have paid taxes for 40 quarters (10 years) during your working lifetime and you have to be age 65 unless otherwise qualified due to a social security eligible disability.

Is it illegal to have Medicaid in two states?

One cannot transfer their Medicaid benefits from one state to another state, nor can they receive Medicaid benefits simultaneously in two states. Instead, one must close their Medicaid case, and hence their benefits, in their original state, and then reapply for Medicaid in the state to which they are relocating.

Which state has the best Medicaid program?

The top states—ranked from 1 to 10—are Massachusetts, Nebraska, Vermont, Alaska, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Minnesota, New York, Washington, and New Hampshire.

Can you get Medicaid in every state?

In all states, Medicaid gives health coverage to some individuals and families, including children, parents, people who are pregnant, elderly people with certain incomes, and people with disabilities. Some states have expanded their Medicaid programs to cover other adults below a certain income level.

Can you keep Medicaid if you move to another state?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, with each state having its own eligibility rules. This means you cannot keep your Medicaid plan when you move to a new state.

Which states have free healthcare?

  • California. State offers public health coverage to all adults regardless of immigration status.
  • Colorado. State offers private health coverage with state subsidies to all adults regardless of immigration status.
  • Illinois. ...
  • Minnesota. ...
  • New york. ...
  • Oregon. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • District of columbia.

Who uses Medicaid the most?

In 2020, Medicaid and CHIP provided coverage for nearly 55 million people of color. These programs provide essential coverage for a population that is more diverse than the broader U.S. population—especially among children, with 61 percent of Medicaid and CHIP enrollees under age 19 being children of color.