How to Apply for Medicaid Out of State

Medicaid is a state-operated, state- and federally-funded program that provides health coverage to qualifying low-income persons. You must meet state residency requirements to qualify for Medicaid.

Instructions

1. Contact your state Medicaid office in order to obtain application instructions. In some cases, a paper application for Medicaid may be mailed or submitted online.

2. Review residency requirements for Medicaid in your state. If you are currently not a resident of the state but are planning on moving, contact your state Medicaid office to discuss whether you may file an application prior to moving and what requirements must be met in order to establish residency for Medicaid purposes.

3. Obtain required documentation and make photocopies of this documentation. Necessary documentation typically includes recent bank statements, birth certificate, Social Security card, state- or federally-issued photo identification card, Social Security award letter, title for all vehicles, deed for house or lease if renting, and documentation of all other cash-value assets and resources.

4. Submit the completed Medicaid application with supporting documentation per submission guidelines.

Tips & Warnings

• You may automatically qualify for Medicaid if you move to another state if you are currently receiving Medicaid assistance or receive supplemental security income (SSI) payments.

References

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Overview of Medicaid Eligibility