Can I Transfer My Medicare and Medicaid When I Move?

If you plan to move states, can you take your Medicare or Medicaid plans with you? The answer depends on whether you have original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Medicaid.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older. However, it also covers certain younger people with qualifying disabilities or other specific health conditions. It consists of four different parts (A, B, C, and D) that together help manage health care costs for eligible individuals.

Medicare: Do I Need to Transfer It From State to State?

The answer depends on what type of Medicare coverage you have. If you have original Medicare (Plan A and Plan B), you can move anywhere in the country and you should still be covered. Medicare is a federal program, run by the federal government, so it doesn’t matter what state you are in as long as your provider accepts Medicare.

Your Medigap plan should also continue to cover you in the new state, but your premiums may change when you move. The exception is if you move to Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Wisconsin because those states have their own specific Medigap plans.

Both Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medicare Advantage plans have defined service areas, which may or may not cover more than one state. If you have Part D or Medicare Advantage, you will need to determine if your new address falls within the plan’s service area.

When you move to a new service area, you have a special enrollment period in which to change plans outside the annual open enrollment period (which runs October 15 through December 7). If you tell your current plan before you move, your special enrollment period begins the month before you move and continues for two full months after you move. If you tell your plan after you have moved, your chance to switch plans begins the month you tell your plan, plus two more full months.

Medicaid

Medicaid is also a government program that provides health coverage, though it is specifically for low-income individuals and families. It supports recipients in paying for medical expenses, including hospital visits, doctor appointments, and long-term care. Eligibility criteria vary by state, but generally, it serves those with limited income, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities, ensuring them access to essential health care services.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program, which is why each state has its own specific set of Medicaid eligibility requirements outlining how to qualify. This means you cannot keep your Medicaid plan when you move to a new state. Medicaid eligibility depends on your income, your assets, and the level of care you need.

How to Transfer Medicaid to Another State

If you have Medicaid and are planning to move to a new state, you should first contact the Medicaid office in the state to which you are moving to find out the eligibility requirements in that state. Before you can apply for benefits in the new state, you also need to cancel your benefits in the old state. You should file an application in the new state as soon as possible.

Usually, if you are eligible for Medicaid benefits, states will offer retroactive Medicaid up to three months before the date you applied. If you end up having to pay for any health care services out of pocket while you are waiting for your application to be approved, save the receipts since you may be able to get reimbursed.

Work With an Elder Care Attorney

An elder law attorney can provide invaluable assistance to those navigating the mazes of Medicare and Medicaid. They can help you apply for coverage, ensure that applications are completed accurately, maximizing benefits and minimizing delays. In addition, attorneys specializing in this area can offer guidance on eligibility requirements, assist with appeals if claims are denied, and help protect your assets while securing you necessary care.

For further reading, you may also want to check out the following articles:

• What to Do If Your Medicaid Application Is Denied
• Should You Go Through the Medicaid Application Process on Your Own?
• Adults Lack Information in Search for Long-Term Care Services