question about medicaid?

Question

if you go out of the state from which you are covered with medicaid are you screwed if you get into an accident and are injured or have an illness?

Answer 1

No, not if you are only traveling or visiting. If you have moved and have not tranferred your medicaid, they will attempt not to pay. So if you are only out of state temporarily and have to visit a doctor or hospital, make sure the doctor or hospital is willing to accept your out-of-state medicaid and you will be covered. Of course, you will still be responsible for any deductibles or co-pays that you are normally responsible for in your state.

Answer 2

I work with many people on Medicaid in NYS. We have had a few clients visit out of state family that had to receive some unexpected health care when they were there. One individual was stranded in a Southern state longer than she was expecting due to a terrible storm here that halted all air traffic into the area. She had to get a few days supply of her medications, and no pharmacy in that other state would accept NYS Medicaid. She had to pay out of pocket. Another individual needed emergency dental care, and no dental provider in that state would accept NYS medicaid. I know you can not be denied medical care for a true medical emergency, but you may be out of luck if you need some other type of "non-life saving procedures", such as stitches, dental care, replacement of broken glasses, prescription refill, etc. You should be very careful if you went on an out of state vacation.

Answer 3

Generally an emergency anywhere is covered if you are admitted to the hospital.