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Harriet A. Woolford University Health Center


Medicaid Waiver Requests FAQs

Can I use my Medicaid coverage in any state?

No. Each state has its own Medicaid eligibility requirements, you can not transfer coverage from one state to another, nor can you use your Medicaid coverage when you’re temporarily visiting another state, unless you need emergency health care (meaning, there isn’t time to transport you back to your home state for 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, so 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 possible.

Out of State students with Medicaid insurance are not covered in the State of Maryland for any healthcare related services, including but not limited to primary care visits, urgent care facilities, speciality care/referrals, mental healthcare visits, behavioral healthcare, prescriptions, etc. 

Can I have Medicaid coverage in two different states?

You cannot be covered by Medicaid in two different states at the same time. Each individual state sets it own regulations and requirements for eligibilty. As such, transferring or having joint Medicaid coverage is not permitted.

Can I transfer my Out of State Medicaid benefits to another state?

There is no formal program or option that allows you to transfer your Medicaid coverage from one state to another. Therefore, if you’re relocating, you’ll need to reapply for Medicaid in the new states. The good news is that you’re 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 15 to 90 days to receive a letter of approval once you apply for Medicaid, and you can usually submit your application online.

(Federal rules require states to take no more than 90 days to process a Medicaid application based on disability, and no more than 45 days for all other Medicaid applications. But states sometimes fall behind on their application processing times.)

One thing you should know about Medicaid is that you can’t be covered by it in two different states at the same time. Therefore, to transfer your coverage – so to speak – you’ll need to first terminate your original Medicaid coverage and then apply in your new state once you’ve relocated.

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 kicks in and renders you eligible for reimbursement. So make sure you retain copies of all medical receipts for services received during your coverage gap.

Can I travel to another state or country and use my Medicaid Insurance coverage?

If you’re traveling to another state or country and fall ill, 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 true life-threatening emergency that requires immediate care (meaning, there isn’t time to transport you back to your home state for care).

Pre-approved treatment at an out-of-state facility will not be covered by Medicaid. Similarly, Medicaid coverage may kick in if you receive treatment in an out-of-state facility that borders yours, and in which residents of your state routinely seek care. Again, you must make sure Medicaid will cover such care before pursuing it, or you risk getting stuck with the associated bills.

Can I use my Out of State Medicaid coverage at the University Health Center?

Out of State Medicaid is not accepted in the State of Maryland, including the Morgan State University Health Center. All MSU students can utilize the healthcare services of the University Health Center for acute and chronic illness. Students are required to pay a visit fee (co-pay) based on the type of appointment and services rendered. 

To Schedule An Appointment in the University Health Center, click HERE

For more information regarding the University Health Center Services and Fees, click HERE

Can I submit the Student Health Insurance Waiver with Out of State Medicaid?

Yes, full-time undergraduate students with Out of State Medicaid can submit the Student Health Insurance waiver for the Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 Academic Year. Students who decide to waive the Student Health Insurance do not receive healthcare benefits in the State of Maryland.

Students can utilize the Healthcare services in the University Health Center; however, they are required to directly pay a visit fee when they arrive for their appointment. We recommend students utilize the University Health Center as their primary healthcare support while in the State of Maryland.

To Schedule An Appointment in the University Health Center, click HERE

For more information regarding the University Health Center Services and Fees, click HERE

Students with Out of State Medicaid are not covered in the State of Maryland for any healthcare related services, including but not limited to primary care visits, urgent care facilities, specialty care/referrals, mental healthcare visits, behavioral healthcare, prescriptions, etc. 

We strongly recommend students with Out of State Medicaid enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan for the Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 Academic Year. 

For more information regarding Student Health Insurance Enrollment as a Full-time Undergraduate, click HERE

Can I enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan and have Out of State Medicaid?

Yes. The University Health Center strongly recommends student with Out of State Medicaid enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan for the Academic Year. 

IMPORTANT: Depending on your home state Medicaid Health Insurance requirements, your home state Medicaid carrier will complete a re-certification and re-quailification process (monthly and/or annually) to determine if you still meet the qualifications, once you are enrolled in a private health insurance plan. If you home state determines that you no longer qualify for Medicaid, they may cancel your Medicaid plan. Please communicate directly with your Out of State Medicaid Insurance carrier to determine their eligibility requirements and certification process in your home state.

All MSU students can utilize the healthcare services of the University Health Center for acute and chronic illness. Students are required to pay a visit fee (co-pay) based on the type of appointment and services rendered. Students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan and Medicaid, must continue to review their email address. United Healthcare will require students to update their profiles on their UHC Account, to include adding their secondary insurance coverage, reviewing and completing the PRA (Appoint Personal Representative) and Action Center . The United Healthcare Insurance plan will be utilized as their primary plan, and the Medicaid Plan is the secondary plan, when visiting a Medical provider. 

For more information regarding Student Health Insurance Enrollment, click HERE

To Schedule An Appointment in the University Health Center, click HERE

For more information regarding the University Health Center Services and Fees, click HERE

Can I submit the Student Health Insurance waiver with In State (Maryland) Medicaid?

Students with In State (Maryland) Medicaid can submit the Student Health Insurance waiver and receive healthcare services in the State of Maryland. We recommend all In State Medicaid students review the Explanation of Benefits and In Network Provider information from their Insurance provider. All MSU students can utilize the healthcare services of the University Health Center for acute and chronic illness. Students are required to pay a visit fee (co-pay) based on the type of appointment and services rendered. 

To Schedule An Appointment in the University Health Center, click HERE

For more information regarding the University Health Center Services and Fees, click HERE

Can I submit the Student Health Insurance waiver if I have private Health Insurance (ex. through a parent/guardians employer) and Out of State Medicaid?

Yes! Full-time undergraduate students who have private Health Insurance and Out of State Medicaid can submit the Student Health Insurance waiver. Please submit the waiver with your private Health Insurance Card and information. The student would use their private Health Insurance plan when receiving clinical and mental healthcare services in the State of Maryland.