Yes, you can change nursing homes on Medicaid, but the process depends on whether you are leaving voluntarily or because of a problem at your current facility
Medicaid covers your stay at your current nursing home, but that coverage does not lock you into that facility. You can request a transfer to another Medicaid-certified nursing home at any time. The nursing home cannot prevent you from leaving, though they may ask for advance notice — usually 30 days, depending on your state and your admission agreement.
The real work is finding a bed at another facility that accepts Medicaid and has an opening in the type of care you need. Nursing homes fill up, and not all of them take Medicaid patients. If you are leaving because of neglect, abuse, or a safety issue, your state's long-term care ombudsman can help you move faster and may push facilities to accept you sooner.
Key Takeaways
- You have the right to leave your current nursing home at any time; Medicaid will follow you to a new facility if it is Medicaid-certified.
- The nursing home may require 30 days' written notice, though this varies by state and your admission contract.
- You must find a new facility with an available bed in your care level before you can move; your social worker or discharge planner can help search.
- If you are leaving because of abuse, neglect, or safety concerns, contact your state's long-term care ombudsman, who can advocate for faster placement.
- Medicaid does not pay for moving costs or a gap in coverage between facilities, so coordinate the move carefully to avoid losing your bed.
How to start the process of moving to a different nursing home
Tell the nursing home's social worker or discharge planner that you want to transfer. Put your request in writing — a straightforward letter stating the date you want to leave is enough. Keep a copy for your records. The facility is required to acknowledge your request and begin the discharge planning process.
At the same time, start looking for a new facility. Ask your current social worker for a list of Medicaid-certified homes in your area, or search your state's nursing home directory online. Call each one and ask whether they have a bed available in your care level — skilled nursing, intermediate care, or memory care, depending on what you need. Ask directly whether they accept Medicaid; some do not, or they have a cap on how many Medicaid beds they will fill.
Once you find a facility with an available bed, they will contact your current nursing home to request your medical records and care plan. This usually takes a few days. Your new facility will tell you when you can move in. Medicaid coverage transfers automatically once you are admitted to the new home — there is no gap in coverage if the move is coordinated properly.
What happens if you are leaving because of abuse or neglect
If you are unsafe at your current facility, contact your state's long-term care ombudsman when ready. This is a free advocate paid by the state to investigate complaints and help residents move. The ombudsman can file a complaint on your behalf, push the facility to discharge you safely, and sometimes pressure other nursing homes to accept you faster because of the safety issue.
You do not have to wait 30 days if there is an when ready safety risk. Tell the ombudsman, your family, or the facility's administrator that you need to leave right away. Document what happened — dates, names of staff, what you saw or experienced — and give it to the ombudsman. They will investigate and can recommend emergency placement.
Your state's ombudsman office is free and confidential. Find it by searching "[your state] long-term care ombudsman" or by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Medicaid coverage and what it pays for during a move
Medicaid pays for your care at the new nursing home starting the day you are admitted, as long as the facility is Medicaid-certified. You do not pay a transfer fee or moving cost — Medicaid does not cover those expenses, and the nursing home cannot charge you for leaving.
If there is a gap between when you leave your current home and when you are admitted to the new one, Medicaid will not pay for care during that gap. This is why timing matters: coordinate with your new facility so your move-in date is the same day you leave your current home, or as close as possible. Your social worker should handle this coordination.
Your Medicaid coverage continues without interruption as long as you remain may be able to access for Medicaid itself. If your income or assets change, or if you move to a different state, you may lose Medicaid coverage — that is separate from the nursing home change. Check with your state Medicaid office if you have questions about your ongoing coverage.
Finding a new nursing home that accepts Medicaid
Not every nursing home takes Medicaid, and those that do may have a waiting list. Start by asking your current facility's social worker for referrals — they know which homes in your area have beds and accept Medicaid. You can also search the Nursing Home Compare tool on Medicare.gov, which lists every certified facility, shows inspection results, staffing levels, and whether they accept Medicaid.
Call facilities directly and ask three things: Do you have a bed available in my care level? Do you accept Medicaid? When could I move in? Write down the answers. If a facility says they are full, ask to be put on a waiting list — beds open up when residents leave or pass away.
If you have specific needs — memory care for dementia, wound care, dialysis — mention that when you call. Some homes specialize in certain conditions and may have more availability in those areas. Your current social worker can also help you narrow the list based on your medical needs and location preferences.
What your new nursing home needs from you before admission
The new facility will ask for your medical records, current medication list, and care plan from your current home. Your current nursing home is required to send these within a reasonable time — usually two to five business days. You can ask to see copies before they are sent.
You will also need to sign an admission agreement at the new facility. Read it carefully or have someone read it with you. It should state the room rate, what Medicaid covers, what you or your family will pay out of pocket (if anything), and the facility's discharge and transfer policies. Ask questions about anything you do not understand.
Bring identification, insurance cards (Medicaid and Medicare if you have it), and any legal documents like a power of attorney or healthcare proxy. The new facility will make copies. If you do not have these documents, tell the social worker — they can help you understand what you need.
Your rights when leaving a nursing home
You have the right to leave any nursing home at any time, with or without the facility's permission. The nursing home cannot hold you against your will, charge you a penalty for leaving, or refuse to discharge you because you owe money. These are federal rights under Medicaid and Medicare rules.
The facility can ask for 30 days' notice, but this is a request, not a requirement — check your admission agreement to see what your state allows. If you are in when ready danger, you do not have to give notice. Leave and contact the ombudsman or law enforcement if you feel unsafe.
The nursing home must provide your medical records and care plan to your new facility or to you within a reasonable time. If they refuse or delay, contact your state's ombudsman or your state Medicaid office. You can also file a complaint with your state's Department of Health, which oversees nursing homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a nursing home refuse to let me leave?
No. You have the right to leave at any time. The facility can ask for 30 days' notice, but they cannot prevent you from going. If they try to stop you or threaten you, contact the long-term care ombudsman or call 911.
Will I lose Medicaid coverage if I move to a new nursing home?
No, as long as the new facility is Medicaid-certified and you remain may be able to access for Medicaid. Coverage transfers automatically. If there is a gap between facilities, Medicaid will not pay for that gap, so coordinate your move-in date carefully.
What if no nursing homes in my area have beds available?
Ask to be placed on waiting lists at multiple facilities. Beds open regularly. If you are in an unsafe situation, contact the long-term care ombudsman — they can sometimes pressure facilities to accept you or help you move to a different area.
Do I have to pay a fee to transfer to a new nursing home?
No. Medicaid does not cover transfer fees, and the nursing home cannot charge you for leaving. If a facility asks for money to discharge you, that is illegal — report it to your state Medicaid office or the ombudsman.
How long does it take to move to a new nursing home?
It depends on how quickly you find a facility with an available bed. Once you have found one, the move usually happens within one to three weeks. If you are leaving because of safety concerns, the ombudsman can sometimes speed up placement.