When you go to participating hospitals, doctor’s offices, or clinics in Louisiana, you can depend on your Louisiana Medicaid coverage. But what if you attempt to use it outside of the state? Will your coverage be accepted? That’s what we’ll look into in this post. By the end, you’ll know whether LA Medicaid is accepted out of state, what happens to your coverage if you move outside Louisiana, and how to get additional help.
Is Medicaid Accepted Out of State?
In general, Louisiana Medicaid isn’t accepted by facilities in other states. This is because eligibility requirements for Medicaid differ from state to state. Just because you qualify for coverage in Louisiana doesn’t mean you’d qualify for it in Texas, Mississippi, or Arkansas.
Medicaid Will Deny Out-of-State Claims
If you visit or move to another state and attempt to use your Louisiana Medicaid coverage, it will typically be denied. But there’s an exception – emergency services. In cases where you need emergency health services, your Medicaid plan will be accepted.
What Happens to My Medicaid If Moving to Another State?
Some may think they can transfer their Louisiana Medicaid coverage to the state they’re moving to. But that’s not an option. When you move to a new state, you’ll lose your Louisiana coverage. You’ll then have to apply for Medicaid in your new state of residence.
You can apply as soon as you relocate – there’s no waiting period. Depending on the state you’re moving to, there could be a small lapse in coverage. But if you apply right away, you can reduce the chance of this happening. If your Medicaid coverage is very important to you – which would be safe to assume – we urge you to talk to a Medicaid office in the new state to be as prepared as possible.
You can usually apply for coverage online as well. Just don’t start your application until you’ve completed your move.
Get Your Questions Answered – Reach Out to a Support Coordinator
Do you have more questions about using Medicaid out of state? Reach out to a support coordinator for a chat. They’ll be able to answer your questions and provide guidance to help you plan for your trip or move.
You no longer have to ask yourself, “Can I use Medicaid out of state?” With the information we’ve shared, you can plan effectively and ensure your coverage is set. We hope you found the answers you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your move or vacation.
