Medicaid Waiver Requests

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING BEFORE YOU WAIVE YOUR OUT-OF-STATE MEDICAID

The healthcare of our students is very important to us and navigating the Health System while sick can be a daunting experience. We would like to share this information with you, to ensure your Healthcare experience is not interrupted during your time of need. 

If you are considering waiving the Student Health Insurance Plan, due to being covered as an Out of State student under Medicaid from a different state, please consider the following information before making your decision, and always verify your specific coverage details with your state Medicaid office before waiving the student health insurance plan provided by the University.

Q. Can I use my Medicaid coverage in any state?

A: No. Because each state has its own Medicaid eligibility requirements, you cannot transfer coverage from one state to another, nor can you use your coverage when you are temporarily visiting another state, unless you need emergency health care.

Medicaid offers health coverage to millions of Americans, and in many states, that coverage matches or even surpasses that of private health insurance. Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal government and state governments, but each state has the option to set its own rules and requirements for eligibility. As such, transferring your Medicaid coverage from one state to another isn't always possible. Your Medicaid coverage is only active in your home state.

IMPORTANT:  If you are an Out-Of-State student (does not reside in Maryland) and you have Medicaid, your insurance coverage is not accepted in the State of Maryland. Therefore, you will be responsible for paying out of pocket for ALL healthcare services in the State of Maryland.

We recommend ALL Out-Of-State students who are insured through Medicaid, enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan through United Healthcare. By enrolling in the Student Health Insurance Plan, students will be insured and receive benefits throughout the United States. Additionally, all registered students can Schedule An Appointment and receive healthcare services in the University Health Center. Students with Out of State Medicaid and Private Health Insurance coverage will be subject to paying the Visit Fee/Co-Pay prior to their appointment. 

Transferring Medicaid Benefits to Another State

Technically, there's no formal program or option that allows you to transfer your Medicaid coverage from one state to another. Therefore, if you are relocating, even temporarily, you will need to re-apply for Medicaid in the new state.

The good news is that you are allowed to apply for Medicaid in your new state immediately after relocating, and doing so can help you avoid a lapse in benefits. It generally takes anywhere from approx. 90 days to receive a letter of approval once you successfully submit the application for Medicaid.

Most states offer retroactive Medicaid coverage, which allows you to receive coverage for up to three months prior to the date of your application's approval. However, you may be forced to pay for healthcare services out of pocket until that retroactive coverage becomes active and renders you eligible for reimbursement. To this end, please make sure to retain copies of all medical receipts for services received during your coverage gap.

Medicaid Eligibility Requirements

The challenge of applying for Medicaid in a new state is that each state has its own requirements for eligibility, so just because you're entitled to coverage in one state doesn't mean the same coverage is guaranteed in another state.

Medicaid eligibility hinges on several factors:

• Income level
• Assets/resources
• Parental Employment/Retirement Status
• Medical expenses (in states that have Medically Needy Medicaid programs)
• Level of care requirements for long-term care

For more information regarding Medicaid eligibility requirements, please visit your state Medicaid web-page. If you are a resident of Maryland, please Click Here for Maryland Medicaid Eligibility Requirements.

Traveling to Another State

If you're traveling to another state and fall ill, you may be out of luck - Medicaid won't cover the cost of services in a state that isn't your home state. Generally, you can only use your Medicaid coverage out-of-state if you encounter a truly life-threatening emergency that requires immediate care (meaning, there isn't time to transport you back to your home state for care).