My mother suffered a stroke in September 2016. She was in the hospital for a few weeks and transfered to a rehabilition hospital. They said that she would have to be a permanent resident. She has a lot of health issues and her short-term memory is very bad. She lived in a mobile home park and her trailer was put in my name and hers about 4 years ago. Since I could not afford to pay her lot rent and consumer bill, I sold it for $4,000. It was an old trailer, 1971 and was not handicap accessible. I put the money in my account not knowing any laws concerning Medicaid. She also has a vehicle which is also in my name and hers. When she lived at home she was on Medicaid because the only income she had was Social Security, which was a mere $990 a month. And she had to have a nursing aide for at least 6 hours a day. She was in a wheelchair and couldn't do things very well for herself and was very forgetful to take her medications and insulin. Anyway, the question I have is that they said she wasn't eligible anymore for Medicaid because she has too much money. She also has a life insurance death benefit plan which is for $6,000 and has a cash value of $760. I have no way of taking care of her myself as I am on a limited income and on a 3rd floor apartment. She cannot walk by herself and has to have an assist when she needs to go to the bathroom or move from a bed to chair. She needs Medicaid to pay for the portion of nursing home expense. Any suggestions
I know that ignorance of the law is no defense, but to expect mere mortal elders and their children to even be aware there are such laws, let alone all the terms and exceptions is absurd. A whole field of Elder Law has arisen to guide people through the labyrinths. I think this is absolutely shameful! A person who has so little income and assets that they need to apply for Medicaid should not be expected to hire a lawyer!
So don't feel bad, vm08195, if you didn't understand/know Medicaid rules when you acted logically. Just work to get the whole thing straightened out. Talk with the financial person and the social worker at the nursing home. They may be able to give you some advice. They have certainly seen this many times!
And your mom would only be kicked off Medicaid for a very short time, so breathe easy on that score.
Does she have a prepaid burial/cremation plan? If not, see if the life insurance can be designated for that purpose. It would be a real shame to take less than $800 for it now and then have nothing to pay for final needs.