Establish residency in Colorado- healthcare

Organichu

So it looks like I'm heading to Colorado. I have a major concern.

How do I establish residence such that I'm eligible for state medical programs? I'd be staying with a friend and- in the beginning at least- have no income. Since Colorado expanded medicaid, this would qualify me, right?

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/HCPF/HCPF/1251567068887

One of the programs mentioned here talks about 'Colorado residents'- but when I Google around, all I see about residency is stuff for in-state tuition rates and also stuff about the DMV and transferring my driver's license.

Moving OoS is a qualifying life event so I don't have to wait for the next open enrollment. I'm just trying to figure out what I need to do- and how long I have to wait- to apply for subsidized state programs like Medicaid.

Thanks so much.

davidsdurions

I'm not sure what the process is like but I think it's true in every state that if you qualified in another state for assistance that they are pretty quick about doing the paperwork for you. And in the meantime you would still be covered on your previous state's system right? I mean, you could just say you were on vacation for a month or two and wouldn't have to worry about breaking an arm and your out of state Medicaid not covering you.

Or I might be completely wrong. Hopefully there is someone more knowledgeable of the local issues available to see this.

Organichu

i'm actually not covered by medicaid at all here in pennsylvania; we haven't expanded the program and as a childless adult i don't qualify.

davidsdurions

Ah, I see. I think if you have a signed lease agreement for a rental and/or a utility bill in your name then that shows your residency as pretty immediate.

Still not sure on any state rules of qualifying though.

DevoutlyApathetic

Blech. Medicaid's site says to contact the state you're moving too and then goes into their automated process which is going to require numbers you won't have until you move (housing costs and such.)

Maybe try and find organizations out there that help people apply for benefits? They might be the most receptive to wanting to help you. Other than that contacting the Colorado office directly which doesn't sound like lots of fun.

Did find an application form online.

Hmm.....found this which says:

State and County Residency
In order to be eligible for benefits, an applicant must be a resident of the State of Colorado. State residency is established by physically residing in
Colorado and declaring intent to remain. This can be self-declared.

County residency is not required; nor is a home address required. Persons who are homeless are eligible to apply and should indicate on the
application where they will receive eligibility notices and benefit cards.

So sounds like no waiting period but that you have to be moved before you can do it. I would still try and reach out to someone in the state to verify this rather than trusting a random guy on the internet pointing to a random webpage of unknown age.

mts

most residency takes 1yr. you just need to setup a bank account and change you address/get a new license etc

Organichu

thanks for the feedback y'all

the move is happening in a couple months and i wanted to update with some good news- eligibility is immediate! i of course still need to begin establishing residency for educational pricing but i am eligible to apply for medicaid from day one

bowen

Good luck chu, hope it works out for you.