Maintaining Medicaid Eligibility When Moving Between US States

Last updated: February 01, 2024

 

Can Medicaid Benefits be Transferred from State-to-State?

 Formally, one cannot transfer Medicaid from state-to-state. However, with careful planning one can gain eligibility in their new state without a lapse in benefits.

The US federal government establishes parameters for the Medicaid program. Within these parameters, each of the fifty states operates their Medicaid program differently. Therefore, Medicaid eligibility requirements are not consistent across 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 in which they are relocating. Fortunately, there are no length of residency requirements to apply for Medicaid, and therefore, after relocation, one may be able to immediately apply for Medicaid benefits in their new state. Some states do, however, require a minimum nursing home length of stay (30 days) before one can apply for Nursing Home Medicaid.

A common concern is the lapse of benefits between canceling one’s Medicaid plan in their original state and reapplying (and becoming eligible) in the state in which they are relocating. Fortunately, most states allow Retroactive Medicaid coverage. This allows for up to three months of Medicaid coverage immediately prior to the month of Medicaid application. Once Retroactive Medicaid eligibility is established, Medicaid will pay unpaid, qualified medical expenses from this retroactive period.

 

Variations in State Medicaid Plans

While eligibility requirements do differ between states, and one must reapply for Medicaid benefits in the new state into which they are moving, there generally is not a big variance between income and asset limits from state-to-state. It is likely that those who are financially eligible in one state, will be financially eligible in another state. However, if one does move to a state that is more financially restrictive, it may be necessary to restructure one’s finances to become income and / or asset eligible.

For example, say an elderly person lives in New York, but wants to move to Florida and re-qualify for Medicaid there. In 2024, New York permits a single Medicaid beneficiary to have $31,175 in countable assets, while Florida only allows a beneficiary to have $2,000 for long-term care Medicaid or $5,000 for Regular Medicaid. There is also California, which no longer has an asset limit (eff. 1/1/24). 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.

For long-term care, there is also a functional (medical) requirement in order to receive Medicaid benefits. One must generally require a level of care that is consistent to that which is provided in a nursing home. That said, each state establishes its own definition and criteria as to what constitutes a “Nursing Home Level of Care”. A very simplified example might be that one state requires an applicant to need assistance with two Activities of Daily Living, while another state requires assistance with three Activities of Daily Living. If an elderly individual moves to a state that has a higher level of care requirement than the state in which they were residing, they may no longer be functionally eligible for Medicaid.

In some states, such as Texas and Nevada, one is required to reside in a nursing home for 30 continuous days before they can apply for Nursing Home Medicaid. Therefore, one may need to relocate to a nursing home in the new state and wait 30 days before submitting a Medicaid application. If the individual was in a nursing home in the previous state, this may count towards the 30 day requirement in the new state.

Due to state variances in Medicaid rules, it is recommended one seek the counsel of a Professional Medicaid Planner for the best chance of Medicaid acceptance.

 

How to Relocate and Still Receive Medicaid Benefits

While it can be challenging to relocate from one state to another and get Medicaid coverage in the new state, it can be done.

Do Your Research
Know, in advance, the financial, functional, and nursing home minimum length of stay (if applicable) eligibility requirements in the state in which you or your loved one is currently residing and in the state to which one is relocating. Remember, the criteria is not consistent across states, nor is the way a state determines one’s level of care need consistent. Furthermore, Retroactive Medicaid coverage is not available in all states. Prior to moving, call the local Medicaid office in the area in which one is relocating for information. There are many different Medicaid coverage groups and it is vital one enquire about the correct one. View state-by-state Medicaid financial eligibility criteria.

Have a Functional Assessment Done
It can be extremely helpful to have a functional assessment completed in the state in which one is considering relocating. Do this prior to canceling one’s Medicaid benefits in one’s current state of residence. If one is not functionally eligible in the new state, one may want to reconsider the move or consider relocating to a state with less strict functional requirements.

Seek Assistance from a Professional Medicaid Planner
A Professional Medicaid Planner can assist in gathering information, restructuring finances (if necessary), and preparing application paperwork for the new state. Medicaid Planners are knowledgeable about state Medicaid plans and Medicaid Waivers in all 50 states and can be an invaluable resource.

Plan the Move Accordingly
Relocating towards the end of the month may move the Medicaid application process along, as some states won’t close out current coverage until the end of the month. It might be best to cancel coverage in one’s original state at the end of the month, move, and apply for coverage in the new state as soon as possible. Some states, such as Illinois, may require a letter proving cancellation of Medicaid in one’s prior state before opening a new Medicaid case. Based on an analysis by Eldercare Resource Planning, it takes an average of 83 days for a Medicaid agency to approve or deny one’s Medicaid application.

 The process of canceling Medicaid in one state and reapplying in another state can be complicated, but it is definitely not impossible. It is advisable one speak with a Medicaid Planning Professional to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible. Learn more.

 

What about Home and Community Based Services Waivers

For those who are receiving services via a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver, the process of relocating and still receiving the required long-term care benefits is more complicated. Medicaid Waivers allow individuals to receive long-term care services in their homes, assisted living residences, adult day care centers, and sometimes, other settings such as adult foster care, and without these services, the individual would require nursing home placement. Unlike State Medicaid Plans, Medicaid Waivers are not entitlement programs. Waivers have a cap on how many participants are able to receive services via any given Waiver. Once the allotted slots have been filled, a waiting list forms.

Further complicating the transfer of HCBS Medicaid Waiver services is that each state has its own Medicaid Waivers and the services they provide do not always align. For instance, some states have Assisted Living Waivers, while others do not. Therefore, one may be receiving services via a Medicaid Waiver in one state and there might not be a comparable Waiver in the state in which they want to relocate. If there is a comparative Waiver, there may be a very long waiting list for benefits. Waiting lists can be several months to many years.

Those currently receiving services from a Medicaid Waiver must proceed with caution. Extensive research should be done to determine if a comparable Waiver is available, if there is a waiting list, and if so, how long the waiting list is for benefits. If there is no comparative Waiver or the waiting time is extensive, one may have to apply for State Plan Medicaid benefits and reside in a nursing home facility until Waiver services become available. As with other situations, Professional Medicaid Planners can be of assistance. Find one here.

Determine Your Medicaid Eligibility

Get Help Qualifying for Medicaid