Question
You responded to a question about transferring a nursing home resident from Oregon to Washington by suggesting Oregon Medicaid where original application was made would affect the transfer. You later responded to a question about transferring an incarcerated 'child' on Medicaid from a SC facility to a NC facility would require re-application in NC. Is this because it is a state by state decision or because the two situations are different: (the first is in a medical facility receiving Medicaid and the second is incarcerated simply receiving community Medicaid)? I really appreciate your web site and hope you can respond soon. Thank you. Carol
Answer
Hi Carol.
It all involves Medicaid. Approximately half of the money for Medicaid is Federal and the rest from the State. Therefore, each State has it's own program, and somewhat different regulations. So when there is a move to another State, the old State drops coverage when the person leaves. When the person gets to the new State, they have to apply for coverage there under the new State's regulations. In most States, they have to process the Medicaid application within 45 days. The start date is usually retroactive for up to 3 months. So it is imperative that the application in the new State is made ASAP.
John
