How to Get Emergency Care in Another State for NYS Medicaid

New York State (NYS) Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income residents of New York. If you qualify for NYS Medicaid, you must use providers within the state for your medical care. While this requirement covers your medical needs within the state of New York, it leaves you without coverage when traveling to other states. Regular check-ups and other types of non-emergency care will usually have to wait until you return to New York, unless you have prior approval from Medicaid. If you have an emergency medical problem, however, you may seek help for it without prior Medicaid approval.

Instructions

• 1

  Go to the closest emergency room or call an ambulance to take you to the nearest hospital. If you have a medical emergency, NYS Medicaid will cover the treatment you receive.

• 2

  Inform the staff at the hospital that you have NYS Medicaid. A staff member will request your insurance number and other information important for filing a claim with NYS Medicaid.

• 3

  Submit to the care the health care provider recommends to stabilize your condition. Once the emergency is over, you may need to return to New York for follow-up care. If your medical condition prevents you from safely traveling back to your home state, however, NYS Medicaid may provide approval for your continued treatment.

• 4

  Encourage the hospital to bill NYS Medicaid for your treatment. Your medical bills should be approved and paid if you were treated for an emergency.