My mom is currently in a rehab facility for her 100 days covered by Medicare. She wants to apply for the benefits she's eligible for thru the VA. However, we have heard 2 different answers to the same question. That question is that if my mom does apply for those benefits, does that income go to the home as well? She's on MediCal when she goes permanent, so her income will drop to $35 a month due to high share of cost. We have been told that the home cannot touch that money and also that the home can take that money. She wants to apply for it so she has money while in the home. Does anyone know if they can or can't take VA income? If they can, then I'm not going to apply for it since they will be getting paid from her income and also MediCal.
1. The Medicare benefit for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) is "up to 100 days per benefit period", as long as the patient meets criteria for medical necessity and making reasonable progress. It is not a guaranteed 100 days.
2. As Kevin said, the purpose of Medicaid (or MediCal, the California version of Medicaid) if for the SNF or personal care provider, etc. to be paid for unreimbursed expenses. They are not "taking the patient's money", per se. They are attempting to get reimbursed for their expenses. Depending on the level of services provided, with room, food, general care, nurses, doctors, medications and things like therapy and durable medical equipment, the cost of skilled nursing in a facility can be as much as $1,000 a day. So if they are being paid anything less than $15-20,000 a month, they are likely losing money. If you look at the numbers, few of these facilities make any money - they are barely keeping their heads above water. It is best if you apply for whatever aid she qualifies for and get the facility as much as you can, so the care will be better for her and everyone else.
I know I feel naked without a few dollars in my pocket. In my experience with my in-laws and my mother, a few dollars here or there made them feel better, but overall basic needs are taken care of while in the SNF and cash is not useful except for the hairdresser or barber. I prefer to leave a check for those services so I know for certain what is being paid.
I did apply for the VA and the NH gets it, gets his Civil Service Retirement and all of her Social Security. Reason I applied for it, my Dad was a 3 war vet, dedicated is life to service for this country and he would have wanted my Mom to get the funds to help take care of her no matter who was getting them. hope this helps you in some way. Keep up the good caregiving!!!
I filed all of my mother's paperwork myself and it was a real bear to do it. The key is to call her "housebound". (which she obviously is) and that will expedite things. I had a very helpful VA employee help me through all of the hurdles, but I understand that most VA offices are not great help. Mother had applied 2 years previous and been turned down. "housebound" is the key to an easier "yes" on her benefits.
That's just wrong! The gov. Promises soldiers they will help their spouses when they die, but have enough "conditions" that few women actually get it.
My husband and I are paying a chunk of our retirement money for long term health care, prepaid funerals, medical insurance, so our kids won't be in our position some day.