Will Medicaid approve relocation from one state to another?

This post is from October and the OP hasn’t been back since

As I understand it, Medicaid is particular to each state, that is, each state has their own rules, as well as the federal guidelines. I believe you need to establish residency in the state desired and then apply for Medicaid in that state.  But I expect you could check into the Medicaid rules and FAQs for each of the states in question as a preliminary.

To move my mother to TN we had to establish residency, but there are no rules on what qualifies. She was moving from one retirement village to another, but now needing assistance. She received some mail (which we sent) at my house and that was accepted. Also, to start the Medicaid application, which the Area Agency on Aging helped with, she had to be physically in TN to start the application. That may be the tricky issue for your mom. The NC equivalent agency should be able to provide sound advice.

Please remember that neither Medicare or Medicaid will pay to transport or caregivers for the trip to relocate when you set up your plans. Do you have your own funds to pay caregivers or can you move her with all the care that entails?

I think the answer is more of a yes but not simply. Because as other have pointed out, each state runs their own Medicaid programs the details/qualifications may differ but because Medicare/Medicaid is federally funded there are some constants and it should be possible to transfer from state to state it just won’t be as simple and clear cut as it should be. I would also recommend researching the qualifications in NC and give them a call even to get some feedback from NC Agency on Aging (or equivalent) as well as Medicaid office. Explain the situation and what you are thinking about doing and see what each says. Remember you may get a different answer or suggestion with each person you speak with but you should be able to come up with a basic understanding of how it could work and go from there. With each state being different you may even find it’s easier than we think moving to SC NH once a person is already approved for LTC Medicaid in another state, you never know!

As stated by worriedinCali, Medicaid programs do differ from state to state. Check NC website and review their application process.

Medicaid doesn’t transfer from state to state and she can’t use her MD long term Carr Medicaid in NC. Each state runs their own Medicaid program. You/your mom will have to apply for Medicaid in NC and be approved. Her MD Medicaid won’t cross state lines & pay for her to be in a nursing home in NC.