


That said, each state establishes its own definition and criteria as to what constitutes a “ nursing home level of care”. One must generally require a level of care that is consistent to that which is provided in a nursing home. To re-qualify, the candidate would have to “ spend down” those additional assets in a Medicaid-acceptable manner.įor long-term care, there is also a functional (medical) requirement in order to receive Medicaid benefits. In 2022, New York permits a single Medicaid beneficiary to have $16,800 in countable assets, while Florida only allows a beneficiary to have $2,000 for long-term care Medicaid or $5,000 for regular Medicaid. 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.įor example, say an elderly person lives in New York, but wants to move to Florida and re-qualify for Medicaid there. This means that it is likely that those who are financially eligible in one state, will be financially eligible in another state. While eligibility requirements do differ between states, generally there is not a big variance between income and asset limits from state to state. Once retroactive Medicaid eligibility is established, Medicaid will pay unpaid, qualified medical expenses from this retroactive period.Īs mentioned above, an individual must reapply for Medicaid benefits in the new state into which they are moving. This allows up to three months of Medicaid coverage immediately prior to the month of Medicaid application.

Fortunately, most states allow retroactive Medicaid coverage. After relocation, one can immediately apply for Medicaid benefits in their new state.Ī 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, when it comes to applying for Medicaid, there are no residency requirements. This means one must close their Medicaid case, and hence their benefits, in their original state before applying for benefits in their new state. In addition, an individual cannot receive Medicaid benefits simultaneously in two states. Individuals are required to reapply for Medicaid in the state in which they are relocating. Therefore, Medicaid eligibility requirements are not consistent across states. Within those parameters, each of the fifty states operates their Medicaid program differently. The US federal government establishes parameters for the Medicaid program. However, with careful planning one can gain eligibility in their new state without a lapse in benefits. Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowanceįormally, one cannot transfer Medicaid from state to state. What is the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program.Miller Trusts / Qualified Income Trusts.
