Expert: Michalene Peticca - 5/2/2009

Question
My mother is newly diagnosed with dementia, and will need assisted living very soon. She's over 65, living in Idaho, but wants to move back to N.Dakota where she has more family. Any problems with her moving, re: Medicare and Medicaid? Can  these transfer?

Answer
Hello Trish,

Thank you for writing.  Medicare is a Federally funded program and provides care for hospitalizations, physicians, physical therapy, etc.  It is a temporary health insurance.  Much like our own private insurances that we use when we need them for doctor visits, etc.

Medicaid is funded by each state.  It is a long term medical insurance that each individual has to qualify for.  For instance, in Pennsylvania, a person's liquid assests may be no more than $8,000.  There are also monthly stipulations as well.   

When an individual transfers from one state to another, they usually must make a New application for Medicaid.  However, if they received Medicaid in another state prior, this generally speeds up the processing as they have already been "approved".

You do not need to apply or tranfer Medicare...that follows you in all states.

Great question!  Hope this helps!

Michalene Peticca, MA