To try to make a long story short, my mom has MS, broke her hip, and decided not to have surgery. She is in a rehab that she is very unhappy in, and I have been very disappointed in the administration there. That as well as a $25 a day fee for a private room. We want to transfer her to a new rehab that I have friends of family who went there and had a very good experience. The private room is also no extra charge, and that is a big thing also for us.
So talked to the social worker at her current rehab (she is very difficult to get a hold of or get a straight answer out of). She told me that Medicare might not change over with her to the new place. She also told me that I am the one who has to set up and pay for my moms wheelchair transportation to the new facility.
Does anyone have any experience in anything like this that could give me some advice on whether what the social worker tells me is true? I do not understand why Medicare would not move over with her. I was also told by the place she is moving to, that her original rehab should take care of her transportation.
I want to be prepared with as much knowledge about this as possible before I speak again with the social worker Monday.
Call the SHIP number for more info on this. SHIP is a free health benefits counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their families or caregivers. SHIPs mission is to educate, advocate, counsel and empower people to make informed healthcare benefit decisions, funded by Federal agencies and is not affiliated with the insurance industry. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free help to Medicare beneficiaries who have questions or issues with their health insurance. Go to: to get your local office phone number. They will know what the rules are for Medicare to pay for your mother’s rehab.
You also need to be sure the new PT provider there takes Medicaid.
Huge differences between the plans!!
I would ask the social worker why she thinks medicare wouldn't pay for the new rehab? Is mom past the 20 day mark? Is current rehab planning to discharge her as medically fit to return home? Do they feel she's plateaued and no longer qualifies? How they complete their paperwork has a real impact on mom's eligibility, so find out!