Turned down for Medicaid

White Crane

With the help of an Elderlaw Attorney, I filed for Medicaid for my DH on August 19th here in Missouri. It had taken me several months to gather all the necessary information and was such a relief to finally have it filed. Since then, I have been paying the MC the amount the attorney said I would owe each month. Then a couple of weeks ago I got a letter from Medicaid asking for proof of my relationship with my DH. I took our marriage certificate to the attorney and she faxed it to them. Then earlier this week she called and said Medicaid had contacted her and they needed more information. I was able to supply it to her by the next day and thought that would be the end of it. Then today I received a letter from Medicaid saying DH application has been rejected. They listed three reasons, none of which make sense to me. They say he has too much countable income. His income is lower than their threshold and I have taken everything out of his name. My attorney is going to have to eplain the other two reasons to me. I feel angry, scared, depressed, and discouraged all at the same time. Since he went to MC in January, I have had to spend our life savings in order to qualify him for Medicaid and now they say he doesn't qualify! If this is true then he will qualify before long because after I pay the MC what I will now owe them, we will be pretty close to being bankrupt. I'm even wondering if I will be able to keep my house. Then, after I spend the last of our money, I will have to apply for Medicaid for myself. I am praying and hoping the attorney will be able to turn this around. I just want to sit down and cry and scream at someone!

Brenda

trottingalong

Brenda, this made my stomach knot up for you. I cannot imagine what you are going through. Dealing with government agencies such as Medicaid can be a nightmare. I sure hope your attorney can help you out on this. I have so much fear about this sort of thing. I’m almost 13 years younger than my husband. He’s 80, I’m 68. We are in that gray area and I don’t want to be broke and destitute or even possibly lose my home. Nothing is easy with this disease. I hope you get an answer very soon from your attorney.

annie51

So sorry to hear about your troubles! It’s so frustrating to do what you think you need to do, then get turned down. Praying that your attorney can straighten things out.

BethL

Praying for you, Brenda!

Bill_2001

Hi White Crane,

Take a deep breath and share your concerns with your elder law attorney. It can take a few attempts to successfully be approved for Medicaid. Please be gentle with yourself. We are here for you.

Bill_2001

BPS

I have not done that yet but I have heard it is common to be denied the first time, also I don't think that they can make you sell your house as long as you are still living in it, at least where I live. I know things are different in different states. God bless you.

Mint

🙏🏻Im sorry , know it is scary.

CampCarol

Aarrggh! I’m so sorry you are going through this. Please keep us posted, sending some good vibes and a virtual hug to you!

Jeanne C.

Hang in there, Brenda. Your attorney will be able to decipher the rejection letter and help you appeal. I swear the system is designed to make it as hard as possible. Sending strength and calm your way.

Nowhere

Ditto to what Jeanne says above. It could just be a timing thing with the date between when they received the info and when it was originally requested. I received a couple “denial” letters while the nursing home worked with me to supply their requested paperwork to get him qualified. Deep breathes. Your elder attorny knows the law! May you hear soon that he’s been accepted.

White Crane

Thank you all for the support. I need it. I called the elder law attorney yesterday and talked to her paralegal. She said not to worry that Medicaid does this all the time and assured me we are okay. She said she got three such letters the same day they got mine. She also said I would probably receive another letter in a few days telling me to ignore the first letter. I trust her but am still upset and worried. Like Jeanne said, they seem to make it as hard as possible. Taking deep breaths as Bill suggested and praying to hear from Medicaid again soon.