The Money Wasn’t a Gift – It Was a Transfer to a Caregiver (Part 2)
We were discussing Jim’s dilemma with Medicaid last week. The State discovered additional assets that his grandmother owned, which were not disclosed by Jim’s dad when he filed the Medicaid application a year ago. They are now seeking $50,000 back. Jim believes the money was legitimately Dad’s but he probably
The Money Wasn’t a Gift – It Was a Transfer to a Caregiver (Part 1)
I received a call last week from Jim. His tale was a variation on the same theme you have heard me reiterate for the last few years if you have been reading my blog – how the Medicaid rules are a trap for the unwary. Jim’s dad had cared for
The Problem of the Unmarried Siblings (Part 1)
Denise called me regarding her family. Her mom was one of 10 children. 3 of the siblings had never married but lived together for many years in a home they owned together. As they reached their 80’s the siblings’ health began to decline and Denise, as the closest family member,
If We Apply for Nursing Home Medicaid are We Giving Up?
When working with families struggling with the sudden realization that long term nursing care is necessary for a loved one, two issues so often cause internal conflict. One is the fear that, at $10,000 a month or more, “we’re going to run out of money”. The other is the desire
Can I Be Paid to Provide Care for Mom? (Part 2)
So, we were talking last week about a recent New Jersey case in which Daughter and Mom entered into a life care contract for Daughter to provide personal care services to Mom. Mom then applied for Medicaid and her application was denied. Mom appealed that decision and lost at the
Can I Be Paid to Care for Mom?
In times of crisis, families pull together. Long term care is no different. So much of the care is administered by family members. And it doesn’t take too long before the question is asked. “Can I be paid to care for my mom or dad?” A recent New Jersey case
If Dad Needs Nursing Home Care will the State take Mom’s Home (Part 2)?
Last week we ran through the basics of estate recovery, when the State will – and won’t – seek reimbursement for benefits paid out. This week we’ll look at how that process actually works in real world situations – and doesn’t work. For example, what does the “estate” consist of?
If Dad Needs Nursing Home Care will the State Take Mom’s House?
It’s a question I get - or some variation of it - probably more often than any other, and it refers to what is called “estate recovery”. As part of the deal that the states enter into with the federal government before they can get federal funding for their Medicaid
Why Pay Someone to File an Application I can Complete Myself?
The call usually starts out this way. “I’ve given all of Dad’s money to the nursing home already and am ready to apply for Medicaid. His situation is really simple. I can handle it myself but I just have a few questions.” I’m always happy to try to help whenever
How Does Medicaid View Same Sex Partnerships?
The past year has seen failed attempts by supporters of same sex marriage to have the definition of marriage expanded to include gay and lesbian unions. However, some states have passed laws creating domestic partnerships and civil unions, which then carry with them some of the benefits of marriage. New