Hi everyone
Eventually my mom will be going into a NH and when her money runs out, will need to get on medicaid. What exactly do I need to submit with the form? I got a copy of it and it's horrendous. No way I could do this alone. I discovered my mom lost her social security card and I now have to get her a replacement, which isn't easy to do. Also, I am saving every bank statement with receipts each month (I only have from 2006 as my dad didn't keep all the ones previous, and he is gone now).

When her money runs out, does the NH go without getting paid until the medicaid kicks it? I heard it's hard to get on the first time and you get rejected. What a nightmare.....how does the NH handle this?

I also know when I submit her to the NH I must make sure I do not sign that I will be paying any bills personally for her. Do I need a lawyer to read the submission form?

What does the NH not pay for? I do have money on the side for mom that is past the lookback period and safe - does the NH pay for everything, including doctors, tests.

thanks
maryann

Maryann,

I can't answer your questions, but I do know that the lookback period is now 5 years! I am almost happy that Mom and Dad didn't have to go through this. It's a shame that our parents have to suffer through this, isn't it?

Personally, we got a good family lawyer who walked us through all of the issues we had as Mom and Dad aged. He did all out of POAs and the wills for Mom and Dad and the living wills etc. He also advised on the nursing home rules etc. The cost of the lawyer was well worth any expenditure. I am not competent in lawyerese and he was able to tell me what I needed to sign and what I needed to stay away from.

My advice is to get a lawyer to help you out. Better safe than sorry.