Assisted Living and Crossing the State Line

Moving Seniors to Minnesota

Over the last twelve months, Choice Connections advisors have worked with people who moved a family member to Minnesota from another state.  Finding senior living can be overwhelming.  When a loved one comes from further away, it can add to the stress.  The regulatory requirements for skilled nursing care, assisted living and memory care are different from state to state.  There is special attention to be taken when an elderly person is moving across the state line.

Just before Christmas, I received a call from a family who had a parent in an independent living community in Wisconsin.  They recognized that her health had changed and knew it was time to talk with an advisor about a plan to move.  We met when mom was visiting, and I had the opportunity to understand what she wanted in her next senior living home.  She was set on returning to her independent living and her family supported this decision.  Several months later, her health declined. And it was evident that it was time to make the move to assisted living.  Together we found a great community within miles of her son.

Logistics of the Move

Long distance moves can get complicated.  I had a family moving their mother from Phoenix, Arizona to Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.  Her health was fragile.  Because of this, she was unable to board a commercial airplane.  The family hired a private airplane to bring her to Minnesota.  Once she arrived, the local fire department and a home health agency met them at the airport.  The team of people transported her to a hotel.  She stayed overnight with home care until she was able to go to the assisted living apartment. Most situations are not this complex.  You can hire a medical companion if necessary.  Senior move managers can help with organizing, packing and moving belongings.  Planning is key to a smooth move.

Medical Considerations

When moving to an assisted living, a nurse completes a health assessment.  This includes reviewing a year of medical records and an in-person visit with the prospective resident. When physicians are out of state it can be more time consuming to get the necessary medical records.  Being proactive in the process and starting the request early can help to speed this process.  Scheduling a physical examination with an existing primary physician is helpful.  Obtaining a copy of medical records directly from the physician to share with the facility will advance the process.  When it is time for the nurse to visit with the prospective resident, this can be done virtually if in person is not possible.  It’s best practice for the community to see the person before they move in.

Health Care Transition Requirements

• Transfer medical records to a Minnesota Provider
• Change Medicare supplements or advantage plans- they are often state specific, and a Medicare broker can help
• Medicaid is state administered- if a parent is on Medicaid, they will need to reapply in Minnesota
• Establish primary care- transferring care to an ‘in house’ physician at the assisted living facility is convenient when available

 Legal and Financial Planning

Once your loved one moves to Minnesota, update their state residency.  Obtain a new driver’s license or state ID.  Register to vote. Update your legal paperwork.  This includes the power of attorney for healthcare and finance.  If your will, trust or estate plan was created in another state, see an elder law attorney to be sure it transfers to Minnesota.  Laws differ by state.

Minnesota partially taxes social security and other retirement benefits.  You should compare the tax implications of each state before moving.  If you have Long-Term care insurance, ensure it is portable and usable in Minnesota.  If your family or friend is a veteran, check with the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs for veteran’s benefit or senior housing assistance.

Senior Living Advisor

A senior living advisor can help you find a community that will best fit the needs of the senior that is making the move.  They have resources for medical, legal, financial and health care professionals.  The advisors at Choice Connections are local to the Twin Cities metro area.

Don’t stress about the move and the details on your own.  An advisor will educate and guide you. When it comes time for the move you will feel confident in the decision you are making.