Can I use Virginia Medicare in another state?

Asked by: Christelle Satterfield  |  Last update: September 14, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (68 votes)

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.

Can I use my Virginia Medicaid in another state?

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.

Do I need a new medicare card if I move to another state?

Yes and no. Medicare Part A and Part B will always travel with you. But for Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and Part D prescription drug plans, you may lose your existing plan and need to enroll in a new one.

Can I use my Medicare anywhere?

If you have Original Medicare, you have coverage anywhere in the U.S. and its territories. This includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Most doctors and hospitals take Original Medicare.

Is Medicare state specific?

Because it's a federal program, Medicare has set standards for costs and coverage. This means a person's Medicare coverage will be the same no matter what state they live in.

Is Medicare Usable in Any State?

41 related questions found

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Can I have Medicare in two states?

While you can only enroll in Medicare in one state – your principal residence where you hold a driver's license, file taxes, and vote, etc. – you may still have access to Medicare coverage in both states depending on the following factors.

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.

Do I have to notify Medicare if I move?

If you have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, you need to notify the Social Security Administration of your change of address, but you won't need to change plans just because you're relocating.

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.

Can you bill a patient with out of state Medicaid?

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.

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.

How long does it take to switch Medicare from one state to another?

For both Part D and Medicare Advantage, moving out of a plan's service area qualifies you for a special enrollment period (SEP) of at least two months to get a new plan. You may also qualify if you move within your plan's service area but there are different plan options in your new location.

Should I carry my medicare card when I travel?

Original Medicare

Carry your Medicare card with you when you're away from home. Show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider when you get services. If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental coverage, carry that plan card with you too.

Can you have surgery in another state?

You can go to another state to have a tooth pulled, cosmetic surgery and an abortion, as long as it's legal in that state. Your are to obey the laws of the state you are in. If you live in Texas but you went to Oklahoma for whatever, you have to obey Oklahoma's laws.

Can I use Medicare out of state?

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.

Do you have to be a resident of a state to apply for Medicaid?

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.

How do I switch my health insurance from one state to another?

If you move to a different state
  1. Log into your Marketplace account.
  2. Go to your applications.
  3. Select the year you want coverage and your new state. ...
  4. Select “Apply or renew” to start a new application.
  5. After you finish your application for your new state, you'll be able to compare plans and prices available to you.

How to switch Medicaid to another state?

If you're moving from one state to another as a Medicaid recipient, you'll need to close your Medicaid case in your original state and reapply for benefits in your new state. There's no formal process for transferring Medicaid between states.

How does Medicare determine residency?

CA Residency Guidelines #FTB1031 2023

A California resident is one who is in California for other than a temporary or transitory purpose; or Domiciled in California, but outside California for a temporary or transitory purpose. Location of your social ties.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

Will Medicare pay for a tummy tuck?

Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty, are considered cosmetic procedures and are not covered by Medicaid or Medicare unless deemed medically necessary. Dual eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare is possible, with low-income seniors and disabled individuals often meeting the criteria for both programs.