Can I apply for/have health insurance in one state, but live and work in a different state?

[hayleehhx]

I live and work in AK, but I typically visit my parents in MA for a month or two every year, and the doctors I prefer visiting are located in MA. Can I apply and have MA health insurance, even though I am not a resident there? If so, how do I fill in this information while doing taxes? ie. do I have to file for MA state taxes, or as a MA resident just because I see doctors there? 

[DanielV01 · Accepted solution]

It depends.  Two separate questions.  As far as the Health Insurance is concerned, this is something that you would have to research on with the state of Massachusetts to see if you qualify to obtain health insurance there as a nonresident of Massachusetts.  In truth, however, the answer to that question does not directly affect your state tax situation.

Since you are an Alaska resident, who works in Alaska, you would have no requirement to file a Massachusetts return unless you work in Massachusetts as a nonresident.  Simply having MA health insurance will not change in and of itself your residency.

Things get tricky, however, if you must establish MA residency to get insurance (which you decide to do), but maintain your AK home and job and continue to work exclusively in AK.  The reason is because MA would claim you are a resident and therefore must pay income tax to MA on all of your income.  If this is the way to get the health insurance and care you desire, you would want to think if paying state income tax that you would not have had to pay otherwise is worth that price.

[spillsbury]

Hi,

I have lived in California for 2 years however, my drivers license, car, and health insurance are all MA. I only make income in California. How does this work when filing my taxes? Do I have to file a MA return as well? 

[RobertB4444]

No.

You are a California resident year round.  Your health insurance origination isn't an issue.  Just file the California return and you're all set.

After two years, though, you should get your driver's license updated. California requires that your drivers license be changed over within ten days of becoming a resident...