Will my Medicaid coverage transfer if I move to a nursing home in another state?

No. Medicaid benefits cannot transfer from one state to another. Each state administers its own Medicaid program under federal guidelines, and federal law prohibits enrollment in multiple state programs simultaneously.

This means relocating to a nursing home in another state requires:

• Closing current Medicaid coverage
• Establishing residency in the new state
• Applying for Medicaid in the new state
• Waiting for approval (up to 90 days)

Moving requires careful coordination to avoid gaps in coverage:

Step 1: Research and Secure New Placement

Find a nursing home in the new state with available Medicaid beds and apply for admission. Verify the new state's Medicaid requirements to ensure continued eligibility.

Step 2: Time the Medicaid Disenrollment

Cancel current state Medicaid coverage to end at month's end. You cannot be enrolled in two state programs simultaneously.

Step 3: Complete the Move

Transfer to the new nursing home and immediately apply for Medicaid in the new state. The facility should assist with the application process.

Step 4: Bridge Coverage Gap

Medicaid approval can take up to 90 days, but benefits are retroactive to the application date, covering qualified expenses during the waiting period.

Yes. While federal law establishes basic Medicaid parameters, each state sets specific requirements for income limits, asset exemptions, and eligibility criteria.

State variations include:

• Income caps and community spouse allowances
• Asset exemption amounts and categories
• Look-back period enforcement
• Application processing timelines

Research requirements in both states before making the move. Learn more about Medicaid qualification strategies.