Any advice on obtaining Medicaid or other aid for rehabilitation?
A good friend just informed me that his mother (CA 87 y/o) had fallen while going up stairs, and turned out to have both broken and dislocated her elbow. She is now in the hospital to reset the bones and must have surgery. She has minimal assets, and he, his sister, and the sister's son all live in a rather small house with his mother near Cleveland, OH. He is worried that his mother might require extended rehabilitation in a facility until her arm heals. I explained the 20 day/80 day support Medicare would provide, but even the copays for more than a few days 21+ would present a financial challenge. He wondered if he should ask about Medicaid. I assume it would be difficult to get it on such short notice, but I suggested that after discharge from the hospital perhaps rehabilitation could take place at home with a physical therapist visiting (which I believe Medicare would cover). I suggested talking to a social worker at the hospital, but I'm wondering if anyone can suggest an appropriate course of action. Should he be "pro-active" in investigating Medicaid, or should he simply wait to be told what the prognosis is, and what recommended care plan is suggested and then go from there? His mother (whom I've met) seems fine mentally and is in reasonably good health otherwise although he said she is beginning to rely on a walker.
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I wasn't sure if Medicaid could be obtained that quickly in case she had to stay past 20 days. So far I haven't gotten any emails since the initial one telling me about her fall even though I've sent a few.
BTW I've seen your conversations here about NJ--I grew up in the NE part of the state (Union Twp), but have lived in 5 other states since then.
I guess I hit the wrong button, so this looks like an original comment as opposed to a reply--sorry! (I doubt the edit feature--which is great to have--allows me to change this.)
When the mother is admitted to rehab, she will be asked to sign paperwork saying she is responsible for any balance left after Medicare and supplimental pays. If she cannot afford PT after the 20 days Medicare pays 100%, she needs to tell them then so the facility can apply for Medicaid on her behalf. That or ask the hospital if PT can be done at home because she can't afford rehab care past the 20 days. Really, how much therapy can they do with a broken arm.
It's always good to hear from people who have "been through" the situation!
After I posted my question, I realized I didn't know whether his mother has a Medigap plan or an Advantage plan (or perhaps neither). However, I just checked and it appears many Medigap plans cover the copay for days 21-100 (I assume recovery in this case would require much less than 100 days!)