Does Medi Cal cover out of state emergency visits?

Asked by: Lauretta Beer DVM  |  Last update: March 14, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (56 votes)

If you are in another state or are in a US Territory such as American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or US Virgin Islands, you are covered for emergency care. Not all hospitals and doctors accept Medicaid. (Medi-Cal is what Medicaid is called in California only.)

Can I use Medi-Cal in another state for emergency?

As long as you qualify, Medi-Cal will cover emergency services and urgent care in another state. If L.A. Care approves the service and the doctor and hospital meet Medi-Cal rules, Medi-Cal will also cover emergency care that requires hospitalization in Canada and Mexico.

Does Medicaid cover ER visits out of 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).

Does Medicare cover emergency room visits out of state?

So, though Medicare Advantage plans typically have provider networks, they must cover emergency care from both network and out-of-network providers. In other words, Medicare Advantage plans cover ER visits anywhere in the U.S.

Does Medi-Cal cover ER visits?

In the event you have a medical emergency before you find a doctor, contact 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital. Medi-Cal does cover emergency services for enrolled members, and if you show your BIC to emergency room staff, Medi-Cal will pay for the services you receive.

What happens if you have a medical emergency abroad?

31 related questions found

What does Medi-Cal not cover?

Restricted scope Medi-Cal covers limited services. It does not cover medicine or primary care. If you have pregnancy-related limited scope Medi-Cal, you will have the full scope of Medi-Cal benefits, if the service is medically necessary.

Why is my ER visit not covered by insurance?

According to section 1371.4 of the California Health and Safety Code, coverage of ER visits can only be denied if it is shown the patient “did not require emergency services care and the enrollee reasonably should have known that an emergency did not exist.” The California rule does not rely on a fictitious “prudent ...

Can I see a doctor in another state with Medicare?

There are no network restrictions; you can see any provider that accepts Medicare.

How much is an emergency room visit with insurance?

The cost of an ER visit for an insured patient varies according to the insurance plan and the nature and severity of their condition. Some plans cover a percentage of the total cost once you meet your deductible, while others charge an average co-pay of $50 to $500.

What is the three-day rule for Medicare?

A qualifying inpatient hospital stay means you've been a hospital inpatient for at least 3 days in a row (counting the day you were admitted as an inpatient, but not counting the day of your discharge). Medicare will only cover care you get in a SNF if you first have a “qualifying inpatient hospital stay.”

Can you bill a patient that has 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.

Does Medi-Cal cover emergency ambulance?

Medi-Cal covers ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) only when ordinary public or private conveyance is medically contra-indicated and transportation is required for obtaining needed medical care. Non-medical transportation (NMT) is used for a recipient to obtain covered Medi-Cal services.

Does California Medi-Cal work in Texas?

It covers over 13 million people, more than the entire population of every state except Texas, New York, and Florida. As California's state Medicaid program, it finances healthcare access for low-income children and adults as well as pays for a great deal of care for seniors and the disabled.

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.

Why is my Medi-Cal discontinued?

Your Medi-Cal coverage will end if you don't turn in your renewal form or you are missing proof of things like income that the county asked you to send. Your local Medi-Cal office will mail you a letter (Notice of Action) to let you know if you didn't turn in your renewal form or are missing information.

Can I go to the ER in California without insurance?

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.

How do you lower your ER bill?

1. Understand your medical bill.
  1. Request an itemized bill. Like a receipt, an itemized bill breaks down all the charges, including the cost of each procedure, medication, and service. ...
  2. Double-check your medical codes. ...
  3. Compare prices. ...
  4. Offer to pay upfront. ...
  5. Try a payment plan. ...
  6. Negotiate based on comparable rates.

Is it cheaper to go to urgent care or ER?

An urgent care visit is between $100 and $200 – about ten times less than the average ER visit. If you have insurance, it should only be the cost of your co-pay. Most urgent care clinics are open 7 days a week. And, on average, wait times are 30 minutes or less.

What do you say to get seen faster in an emergency room?

Be specific: Describe your symptoms in detail. Instead of saying “I feel sick,” explain the specific symptoms you are experiencing, such as nausea, dizziness, or chest pain. This will help the medical staff understand the urgency of your situation. Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture of your symptoms.

Can I see a doctor in another state with Medi Cal?

Except for emergencies, your managed care plan must approve any out-of-state medical services before you get the service. If the provider will not accept Medicaid, you will have to pay medical costs for services you get outside of California. Remember: there may be many providers involved in emergency care.

Can I use my California Medicare in another state?

You won't lose your Original Medicare, Part A and Part B coverage if you move to another state. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan, you should tell the plan before you move. Typically these plans won't cover you in another state.

Will my medical insurance work in another state?

Some plan types, like PPO or OAP plans, allow for full access to any and all participating providers in that carrier's network, regardless of which state you reside in. Other plan types, like HMO or POS plans, will cover emergency services anywhere in the country but may not cover routine care in another state.

What happens if I go to the ER without insurance?

Despite the financial hurdles, uninsured emergency patients are provided with legal safeguards. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law that requires anyone coming to an emergency department to be stabilized and treated, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

What does Medi-Cal cover?

Medi-Cal currently provides a core set of health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, immunization, pregnancy-related services and nursing home care.

What happens if you don't pay an ER visit?

If you do nothing and don't pay, you could be facing late fees and interest, debt collection, lawsuits, garnishments, and lower credit scores.