What to Ask About Money Follows the Person in Your State
Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a federal Medicaid demonstration that supports state efforts to help eligible people move from institutional settings into the community.
It is not one identical national benefit.
Participating states and territories design their own transition programs within federal requirements.
Ask whether your state participates
Medicaid.gov maintains current MFP information.
Ask the state:
- Is MFP currently operating?
- Which agency administers it?
- Which institutional settings qualify?
- How long must a person have been institutionalized?
- Which Medicaid eligibility groups qualify?
- What community settings qualify?
Ask what transition help is available
Depending on the state, MFP can help with things such as:
- transition coordination;
- housing search/setup;
- security deposits;
- household goods;
- accessibility modifications;
- equipment;
- community-service connections; and
- short-term transition supports.
Do not assume every state pays for the same items.
Ask what happens after the MFP period
MFP is designed to support a transition, but ongoing care generally needs a sustainable Medicaid HCBS or other service plan.
Ask:
“Which services continue after the MFP transition period ends, and under which Medicaid authority?”
MFP worksheet
State/program: ____________________
MFP contact: ____________________
Resident eligibility: ____________________
Qualifying institution stay: ____________________
Community destination: ____________________
Transition services: ____________________
Ongoing HCBS program: ____________________
Move target date: ____________________
Frequently asked questions
Is MFP available in every state?
No. Check current Medicaid.gov/state information.
Does MFP pay rent forever?
No. It may support transition expenses, but long-term housing and service funding need a sustainable plan.
Can MFP help someone move to assisted living?
Qualifying community settings are program-specific. Ask the state.
The practical goal
Use MFP as a bridge from institution to community, not as the entire long-term care plan.
Confirm both the move support and the ongoing Medicaid services that will remain afterward.
Related NHP guides
- Leaving a Nursing Home With Medicaid Support at Home
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: When and How to Ask for Help
Primary sources checked
*Editorial/source review: October 15, 2026. General education only. Community transition services, Money Follows the Person, authorized representatives, patient-pay calculations, and address/notice procedures vary by state and program.*
