How long can you be out of the country on Medicaid?

Asked by: Peter Auer III  |  Last update: March 24, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (41 votes)

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.

Do you lose Medicaid if you leave the country?

Medicaid does not cover you outside the U.S. and most Medicare plans also do not cover you outside the U.S., although some provide emergency care in Canada and Mexico. To learn more, visit Medicare.gov or check with your Medicare supplement provider.

Can you use Medicaid internationally?

U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas. More information is also available on the CDC insurance page.

How long can I stay abroad without losing my SSI benefits?

If you receive SSI, you will not continue to receive benefits while you are abroad. If you are outside of the US for more than 30 days your SSI benefit will stop. SSI benefits will restart once you return to the US and remain in the country for more than 30 days.

Can you use Medicaid on vacation?

As long as you tell medicaid you're on vacation and not staying beyond 30 days/ you should be fine. Not every state has expanded Medicaid. You might not qualify in the state where you are currently so don't risk it.

How Long Will My Medicaid Benefits Last? - InsuranceGuide360.com

34 related questions found

Does Medicaid cover hotel stays?

Under most situations and normal circumstances, neither Medicaid nor Medicare covers non-emergency travel expenses.

Does Medicare cover out of state travel?

Travel within the U.S.

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.

How long can I stay abroad without losing Medicare benefits?

The lifetime maximum benefit is $50,000. These policies will not pay benefits if you live or travel outside the United States for longer than 60 days.

How long can you live outside the U.S. before losing your Social Security?

Luckily, there is no time limit on how long you can live outside the U.S. and still receive monthly Social Security payments. As long as proof of life documents are signed and returned annually, you'll still get paid.

How long can a US citizen stay out of the country?

If you are a US citizen, you can stay out of the United States for as long as you want, and you will always have the right to re-enter the country.

Can you use Medicaid everywhere?

No. 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.

What happens to my SSI and Medicaid benefits if I travel?

If you leave the U.S., we will stop your benefits the month after the sixth calendar month in a row that you are outside the country. You can make visits to the United States for specific periods of time, depending on how long you've been outside, to continue receiving your benefits.

What happens if you don't pay a hospital bill from another country?

If no action is taking on your medical bill and you do not pay what is owed, additional charges can be added to your account balance in the form of late fees and interest. Additionally, the healthcare provider can move your balance into international debt collection or file a lawsuit against you.

Can I use Medicaid overseas?

Goverment-funded health plans, such as Medicaid in the U.S., often do not cover overseas costs. In these cases, think about whether returning home for treatment would be a viable option. If your primary insurance will cover you abroad, you may need to pay up-front and get reimbursed upon your return home.

Does social security know when you leave the country?

SSI recipients are required to tell SSA when they leave the U.S. for 30 or more consecutive days or a full calendar month. Although most recipients do report when they leave the U.S., some do not, and continue receiving SSI payments while they remain out of the country.

Can you be removed from Medicaid?

If your state says you're no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP coverage, you can re-apply through your state at any time to find out if you still qualify.

How long can I stay abroad without losing my disability benefits?

If you receive SSI, it is not possible to continue drawing benefits while you live abroad. The SSA will not continue your check if you are in another country. Once you are outside the United States or one of the territories for 30 days, your benefits will stop.

What is the 5 year rule for Social Security?

The Social Security 5-year rule refers specifically to disability benefits. It requires that you must have worked five out of the last ten years immediately before your disability onset to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Specifically, a rumored $16,728 bonus that had people wondering if it was true or not in 2024? Sadly, there's no real “bonus” that retirees who receive Social Security can collect.

Does Medicare cover you if you are out of the country?

In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Can I still collect Social Security if I move out of the country?

If you earned Social Security benefits, you can visit or live in most foreign countries and still receive payments. Look up the country on the SSA Payments Abroad Screening Tool to be sure you can receive your payments.

How long can you live outside the U.S. without losing Social Security?

There is no time limit on how long a person can live outside the country and receive benefits. Foreign citizens with a U.S. work history may also qualify for Social Security benefits under certain agreements. Social Security payments can be deposited directly into a foreign bank account.

Can you travel with Medicaid?

If you travel outside the United States without taking proper precautions, you could lose your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid POMS: SI 02301.225 you are ineligible if you are out of the country for a full calendar month or 30 consecutive days.

Can I cancel Medicare if I live abroad after?

If you move outside the United States: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), is available to you if you return. No monthly premium is withheld from your Social Security benefit payment for this protection. You can continue paying for your Part B benefits or drop them while out of the country.

Is Medicaid nationwide?

In all states, Medicaid gives health coverage to some individuals and families, including children, parents, pregnant women, elderly people with certain incomes, and people with disabilities. In some states, the program also covers other adults below a certain income level.