If my mother buys a wheelchair accessible van for her and her grandson, then later goes into nursing home, will she still be able to apply for medicaid and will they want to be reimbursed for the van since she will be totally disabled within the next couple of years?
I'd like to add, that IF in the future grannie applies for and goes on Medicaid and is in a facility (like a NH or AL), that she will be required to do a co-pay by Medicaid. This fact often comes as a total surprise to familymembers. The co-pay (also called the "SOC" or share of cost in Medicaidspeak) will be ALL of her monthly income less a small personal needs allowance. The PNA varies from $ 35 - 90 a month (the amount varies by state as Medicaid is a state administered program) & is really meant to pay for those costs at the NH that Medicaid does not pay. Like for the beauty salon at the NH; for clothing replacement, etc. If the NH charges for cable or phone, the PNA is used for that. Essentially they have no more $ to pay for anything outside of the NH.
So grannie will have NO $& to pay for anything on the van which is in her name. Someone else will have to pay for van's insurance, gas, registration fees, etc. And will need to be able to do this for the rest of grannies lifetime or as long as you keep the van. (This same thing is holds true for keeping the elder's home too). So think carefully if you can afford the van's true costs too. Good luck and when you speak with the attorney ask about setting up a special needs trust for the kid.