Can I use Virginia Medicaid in another state?

Asked by: Ludwig Predovic  |  Last update: January 6, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (10 votes)

You can only have active Medicaid coverage in one state at a time. If you are moving out of state, please notify your local Department of Social Services or call CoverVA at 1-855-242-8282 to cancel your coverage.

Can Medicaid from one state be used in another?

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 Medicaid coverage when you're temporarily visiting another state, unless you need emergency health care.

Can I bill an out of state Medicaid patient?

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 cover ER visits in any state?

Emergency room care is a mandatory benefit, so no matter which state you live in you are covered. However, the type of coverage differs based on where you live. Some states charge nothing for ER care, while others may charge a flat co-pay or percentage of the Medicaid reimbursement costs.

Are Medicaid benefits different from state to 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.

Do Medicaid Benefits Transfer Between States?

16 related questions found

Which state has the most generous Medicaid?

An analysis by WalletHub found that the five states who ranked highest on Medicaid spending were:
  • Massachusetts.
  • Minnesota.
  • California.
  • Vermont.
  • Rhode Island.

Can you use Virginia Medicaid out of state?

However, Medicaid criteria and coverage is unique to each state and eligibility does not transfer from one state to another.

How much does an emergency room cost with Medicaid?

By contrast, most Medicaid beneficiaries face little or no out-of-pocket costs for ER services. CMS gives states the option to charge Medicaid patients up to $8 if they visit an ER without having a true medical emergency.

Do all hospitals have to accept Medicaid?

Hospital participation in Medicare and Medicaid is voluntary. However, as a condition for receiving federal tax exemption for providing health care to the community, not-for-profit hospitals are required to care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Will Medicaid pay my hospital bill?

Once an individual is deemed eligible for Medicaid coverage, generally there are no, or only very small, monthly payments, co-pays or deductibles. The program pays almost the full amount for health and long-term care, provided the medical service supplier is Medicaid-certified.

How long do you lose Medicaid if you leave the country?

Medicaid provides no option for coverage outside of the United States. If you are covered by Medicaid, you should be aware that coverage can be suspended if you remain outside of the country for more than 30 days. You would have to jump through hoops in order to regain this coverage.

How much does Medicaid cost per month?

Amounts. Most states adjust premium amounts by beneficiary income, with approved possible charges ranging from approximately $5 to $74 per month. Four states (AR, AZ, MI, and MT) have approved waivers to require monthly premium payments as a percentage of income.

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.

Can states opt out of Medicaid?

The constitutionality of the Medicaid expansion provisions of the ACA was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2012; however, state participation is optional.

What does Medicaid not cover?

Though Medicaid covers a wide range of services, there are limitations on certain types of care, such as infertility treatments, elective abortions, and some types of alternative medicine. For example, the federal government lists family planning as a mandatory service benefit, but states interpret this differently.

Can you go to the ER without Medicaid?

Hospitals must treat you in an emergency

If you have a serious medical problem, hospitals must treat you regardless of whether you have insurance. This includes situations that meet the definition of an emergency.

What surgeries does Medicaid not cover?

Cosmetic surgery is not usually covered by Medicaid. Because nearly all cosmetic surgery is elective, taxpayer money can't be used to pay for it. In a few very rare cases, where it is medically necessary, the procedure may be covered. In these rare cases, pre-authorization would be required.

What happens to my Medicaid if I move to another state?

Given that a CA Medicaid (Medi-Cal) applicant can have unlimited assets, one may have a much higher amount of assets than allowed in another state. When an applicant has “excess” assets, they must “spend down” the additional assets in a Medicaid-acceptable manner in order to re-qualify in the new state.

Can I use Virginia Medicare in another state?

Key Takeaways. Original Medicare covers hospital care and doctor visits in all 50 U.S. states and its territories, as long as providers accept Medicare. Certain Medicare Advantage plans also provide state-to-state coverage, but some limit coverage to a defined service area.

How much money can you have in the bank with Medicaid in Virginia?

Have countable resources of not more than $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a couple. Resources are things such as bank accounts (checking, savings, certificates of deposit, Christmas club, etc.), stocks, bonds, the cash value of some life insurance policies, property that does not adjoin your home, etc.

What race uses Medicaid the most?

A larger share of Medicaid and CHIP enrollees are Hispanic and non- Hispanic Black than the U.S. population, and a smaller share are non-Hispanic White. Sources: 2020 T-MSIS Analytic Files Annual Demographic and Eligibility File, Release 1; 2020 Race/Ethnicity Imputation Companion File; 2019 American Community Survey.

What state ranks lowest in healthcare?

Minnesota is the best state for healthcare when it comes to affordability and quality and Mississippi is the worst, according to WalletHub's 2024 ranking published July 29.

What are the four types of Medicaid?

There are four types of Medicaid delivery systems:
  • State-operated fee-for-service (FFS)
  • Primary care case management (PCCM)
  • Comprehensive risk-based managed care (MCO model)
  • Limited-benefit plans.