Yes, you can change nursing homes on Medicaid, but the process depends on whether you are leaving voluntarily or for medical reasons
You have the right to move to a different nursing home while receiving Medicaid coverage. The facility you leave cannot force you to stay, and Medicaid will cover your care at the new home if it is certified to accept Medicaid residents. However, the timing, notice requirements, and your ability to find a bed at your preferred facility all affect how smoothly the move goes.
The most common barrier is not Medicaid itself — it is finding another facility with an open bed that accepts Medicaid residents. Medicaid-certified beds are often full, and some homes prioritize private-pay residents. You will also need to give your current facility written notice, usually 30 days, though this requirement varies by state and by your facility's contract.
Key Takeaways
- You can move to another Medicaid-certified nursing home at any time, but you must give your current facility written notice, typically 30 days in advance.
- The main obstacle is finding a bed — many facilities have waiting lists, and some reserve Medicaid slots for residents already living there.
- Your state Medicaid office does not place you in a home; you or your family must contact facilities directly to ask about openings.
- If you are moving for medical reasons — such as better rehabilitation services or proximity to family — document this, as it may speed up your discharge.
- Medicaid will cover your care during the transition if you move directly from one certified home to another without a gap.
How to start looking for a new nursing home
Begin by identifying which facilities in your area are certified to accept Medicaid. Your state's Medicaid office, your current nursing home's social worker, or your local Area Agency on Aging can provide a list. You can also search the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website, which lists all certified facilities and their current inspection records.
Once you have a list, call each facility directly and ask whether they have an open Medicaid bed. Do not assume that because a facility is Medicaid-certified it has space available. Many homes maintain a waiting list, and some will not accept a new Medicaid resident until a current resident leaves. Ask about the timeline — some facilities can admit you within days, while others may have a months-long wait.
If you have specific medical needs — such as specialized wound care, dementia care, or rehabilitation services — mention these when you call. Some homes specialize in certain conditions and may have more availability in those units. Ask to speak with the admissions director, not just the front desk, so you get accurate information about current openings.
Notice requirements and timing
Your current nursing home's contract or your state's regulations will specify how much notice you must give. Most states require 30 days written notice, but some require 14 days or as much as 60 days. Check your admission paperwork or ask your facility's social worker for the exact requirement.
Submit your notice in writing — email, certified mail, or hand-delivered with a signature. Keep a copy for your records. The notice should state your intended move date and, if possible, the name of the facility you are moving to. Some facilities will try to negotiate a later date; you can agree to this if it works for you, but you are not required to stay beyond the notice period.
If you are moving for medical reasons — such as needing a higher level of care or being admitted to a hospital — the notice requirement may be waived or shortened. Talk to the social worker about your situation; if a doctor recommends the move, that documentation can help.
What happens to your Medicaid coverage during the move
Medicaid coverage continues without interruption if you move directly from one certified facility to another. There is no gap in coverage, and you do not need to reapply. The new facility will contact your state Medicaid office to confirm your may be able to access and begin billing them for your care.
Before you move, make sure the new facility has your Medicaid information on file. Ask the admissions staff to confirm they have your Medicaid number and your state of residence. If you are moving to a different state, the process is more complex — you will need to explore for Medicaid in the new state, and there may be a brief gap in coverage. Contact your current state's Medicaid office before you move to understand the timeline.
If there is any delay in the new facility receiving your Medicaid information, you may be billed as a private-pay resident temporarily. Ask the new facility to waive those charges once Medicaid coverage is confirmed. Most will do this without argument, but it is easier to prevent the problem by ensuring the paperwork is in place before you arrive.
What to do if you cannot find an available bed
If no Medicaid-certified homes in your area have an opening, you have several options. First, ask to be placed on waiting lists at your preferred facilities. Some homes will admit you within weeks once a bed opens. Second, expand your search geographically — if a facility 20 or 30 minutes away has availability, that may be worth considering if family can visit regularly.
Third, contact your state's long-term care ombudsman — an independent advocate for nursing home residents. The ombudsman can sometimes help you locate available beds or advocate with facilities on your behalf. You can find your state's ombudsman through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or online.
If you are moving because your current facility is unsafe or provides poor care, document the problems and report them to your state's health department. A complaint may trigger an inspection, which can sometimes pressure a facility to improve or may help you make a case for an emergency transfer. The ombudsman can also file complaints on your behalf.
Preparing for the actual move
Once you have secured a bed at a new facility, coordinate the logistics with both homes. The new facility will send you an admission packet with paperwork to complete. Your current facility's social worker should help transfer your medical records, medication list, and care plan to the new home.
Schedule a tour of the new facility before you move if possible. Bring a family member or advocate with you. Ask about the daily schedule, visiting hours, activities, and how they handle medical care. If you have specific needs — such as a particular diet, mobility information, or pain management — discuss these during the tour so the staff is prepared.
On moving day, make sure someone is present to help you settle in and answer questions from the new staff. Bring a list of your current medications, any medical equipment you use, and contact information for your doctor. The new facility should conduct an initial assessment within the first few days to understand your needs and adjust your care plan if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my nursing home refuse to let me leave?
No. A nursing home cannot prevent you from leaving or charge you a penalty for moving. If a facility threatens to keep you or charges an early-departure fee, contact your state's long-term care ombudsman or health department when ready. This is a violation of your rights as a resident.
What if I move and then want to go back to my original nursing home?
You can request readmission, but the original facility is not required to take you back if they no longer have a Medicaid bed available. Contact their admissions office and ask to be placed on the waiting list. If you left on good terms and a bed opens, they may readmit you, but there is no may provide.
Do I have to pay anything out of pocket when I move?
Medicaid covers the cost of care at the new facility from day one if it is certified. You may have a small monthly copay (usually $0 to $50) depending on your state, but this is the same at any Medicaid facility. You should not be charged a deposit or admission fee by a Medicaid-certified home.
What if the new nursing home is in a different state?
Moving to a different state is more complicated because Medicaid is state-run. You will need to explore for Medicaid in the new state before or when ready after you move. Contact the new state's Medicaid office to learn their timeline and what documents you need. There may be a gap in coverage, so plan ahead and ask the new facility if they can hold your bed during the transition.
Can I move if I owe money to my current nursing home?
You can move, but your current facility may pursue collection for any unpaid balance. If the debt is related to a billing error or a dispute over what Medicaid should have covered, ask your state's ombudsman to help resolve it before you leave. If you genuinely cannot pay, ask the facility's social worker about financial hardship programs or payment plans.