Memory care when PWD personal funds run out

Klako

We are looking into AL or MC and realizing that Medicaid does not cover costs when a person’s money runs out. Anyone have advice on how to pay when the money runs out?

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JJAz

For Medicaid to pay, the PWD would need to be in a facility that has licensed Medicaid beds.  Call your Area Agency on Aging (every county in the US has one) for help finding a facility that qualifies.

harshedbuzz

Klako-

In some states, Medicaid will not fund a Memory Care bed under any circumstances. I live in PA which is one of them. 

If the PWD meets the financial criteria and needs skilled nursing, they will qualify for a Medicaid bed in a facility that accepts such payment. These are generally limited as reimbursement is lower than self-pay which can result in considerable waiting lists.

HB

ETA: a CELA can advise you on this as it pertains to where you live.

M1

Klako, you can find lists of certified elder law attorneys by location at nelf.org.  they are specially trained not only to help you with powers of attorney and wills, but also with how to handle your loved one's finances so that you can meet your state's requirements to qualify him/her for long-term Medicaid.  Most poeple, like you, can't front the full costs of long-term care except for limited periods.  Medicare does not cover any long-term care services, sad to say, and what Medicaid covers varies by state.  That's why most people need legal advice to figure it out.

Ci2Ci

A word of caution: While a nursing home might keep a resident for some time after the money runs out, it doesn't mean that they won't present that past-due bill to someone.

30 states in the USA have filial responsibility laws that state the children are responsible for the debts of their parents, after death. (Usually based on the parent's state of residence. If in a nursing home, that state could be considered the parent's resident state.)

See this article, for example (with citations): https://www.farrlawfirm.com/resources/filial-responsibility-states/

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