Unfortunately, health insurance policies or benefits cannot be transferred across states. Each state has its own laws that mandate health insurance companies on what must be covered or not. In your case, your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan in Missouri might not even be offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of California. Hence, you might need to apply for a new policy in California. As regards to your wife’s maternity benefits, you might not have to wait for a year with Blue Cross Blue Shield of California. If you have no lapse in payments with your plan in Missouri, then your wife might be able to use the maternity benefits because of insurance portability. Your father-in-law, however, might have difficulty re-applying for a Blue Cross Blue Shield of California plan because of his age and pre-eisting conditions. He might have a better chance for healthcare coverage under Medicare. If he gets a plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield of California or any other insurance company, he might be required to pay more than $3,000 of monthly premiums because of his age and present medical conditions. - June 16, 2009 3:02pm