My mom gets a social security check, no money in her savings account & doesn't own anything...she rents her apartment. If she would need to move into a nursing home permanently would they accept her social security check plus Medicare as payment? She isn't on medical assistance (Medicaid) but would qualify...I'm trying to have a plan in place for "what if" occurs. Wondering if I should have her apply for Medical assistance now in case her social security & Medicare aren't enough to cover the cost? Assuming Medical assistance would
1. Medical insurance. If Mom has no suppliment and under the income cap for PA you may want to sign her up for this. She would get health insurance and maybe dental, and Vision. I think prescriptions are always part of the health.
2. In home heath. This is where she would get #1 and an aide to help out.
3. Longterm care. This is where she would be placed in a Longterm care facility. Her SS will be used to help offset the cost of her care and Medicaid paying their share.
All need certain criteria to be met. I see no reason for a lawyer at this point when you can call a Medicaid caseworker and ask questions. Every State is different so u may want to see if they pay for Assisted Living. Here in NJ they do after paying at least 2 yrs private pay.
When I got Mom set up and my nephew, I just went to the County Social Service dept and sat down with a caseworker. They helped with all all the paperwork. But that was before COVID.
If Mom has no assets, then the process is pretty easy. In NJ ur given 90 days, for LTC, from date of application. In that time you need to spend down any assets, get them all info requested, and find a place for Mom. If you go beyond the 90 days, u start all over.
Unfortunately, some things can only be dealt with when we get to that bridge.
I would recommend getting all the applications and see what type of documents you will need to submit and start getting all of that compiled and set up a system that every month new statements and such are kept, for ease when the time comes.