Temporarily Traveling Out of Washington State

A person may be temporarily out of state without losing their Washington State residency. There is no set time limit, but they must show intent to return and continue living in Washington once the reason for their absence is over.

When a person is placed in an out-of-state institution by the agency, its designee or by a department of social and health services-contracted agency, the state arranging the placement is considered the person’s state of residence, unless the person is capable of expressing intent and:

Indicates a desire to change their place of residence; or
Asks the current state of residence for help in relocating. This may include assistance in locating an institutional placement in the new state of residence.

A minor (under age 18) is considered a resident of the state where they live (other than temporarily) or the state where their parent or caretaker is looking for or has a job. If the minor is living in Washington, they are considered a resident unless the parent/guardian or the minor states that they plan to leave the state.

Visit the Washington State Health Care Authority webpage on Residency and Eligibility at https://www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/i-help-others-apply-and-access-apple-health/residency.

You can receive personal care services from Washington’s long-term care programs while temporarily out of state for less than 30 days, as long as:

Your provider is contracted with Washington or works for a consumer-directed employer.
You coordinate your travel plans with your case manager before leaving.
Services are authorized in your care plan before you depart.
Services are only for personal care and do not cover the provider’s travel expenses.

You cannot receive personal care services outside of the United States.

For more information on care programs while temporarily out of state visit the WAC at https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=388-106-0035.
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