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I have to spend down for my mom, so she can qualify for Medicaid. Can I still buy her new clothes and personal items that she needs?

Asked by dverstraete  |  Apr 27, 2010

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that she will be needing for herself. i will not be able to help her out on expenses once she gets on medicaid -very little that is. So i would like to get her all set up. Is this allowed? i am scared and nervous of the future needs for her. We live in MO. Thank you for any advice

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K. Gabriel Heiser, Apr 28, 2010

K. Gabriel Heiser is an attorney with over 25 years experience in elder law and estate planning. Heiser is the author of "How to Protect Your Family's Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs: Medicaid Secrets," an annually updated practical guide for the layperson. Visit www.MedicaidSecrets.com for more info.

 

It's important to note that there is NO LIMIT on the value of personal property owned by the Medicaid applicant. Thus, all the normal furniture and furnishings, jewelry, etc., owned by a person applying for Medicaid is excluded under the federal law and regulations. Note that this does not mean you can convert a $50,000 bank account into a diamond ring and escape that being counted--it will, as an investment. However, any furnishings, clothes, medical equipment needed for the applicant, and so on may not be counted against the applicant for Medicaid, and are excluded no matter their value. This is in addition to the $2,000 cash any Medicaid applicant may exclude.

 
 

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hapfra

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Apr 28, 2010

Medicaid is health insurance that helps many people who can't afford medical care pay for some or all of their medical bills.

Good health is important to everyone. If you can't afford to pay for medical care right now, Medicaid can make it possible for you to get the care that you need so that you can get healthy and stay healthy.

Medicaid is available only to people with limited income. You must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid does not pay money to you; instead, it sends payments directly to your health care providers. Depending on your state's rules, you may also be asked to pay a small part of the cost (co payment) for some medical services.

YES-get those personal items or clothing your Mom may need...As for spending down the money, I do believe that there is a look back period-and you need to check on this.

I hope this has been of some help.

Hap

 
 

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janny52

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Apr 28, 2010

My mother got approval for Medicaid recently.
Personal needs are fine as is medical equipment. Save the receipts. Just don't spend a ridiculous amount of money right now and don't gift any of it.
If she has minimal assets they won't even care. Once she's in the nursing home you can open a spending account for her to cover personal needs. Here in Massachusetts they allow about $75 a month for personal needs. They also allow $2000 in personal savings.

The look back period is anywhere form 2 to 5 years. Medicaid looks to see if the applicant has been trying to work around the system by giving money away.
Check with your states requirements and also check medicaid online - they have a list of expenditures which qualify for spending down.

 
 

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linda09

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Apr 27, 2010

if she needs something then by gosh she shall have em .
go for it ! go buy her stuff she needs . dont worry about medicaid . that is what money is for .

 
 

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wese123

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May 30, 2011

How do I spend down $4000 so my mother can qualify for medicaid?

 
 

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jeannegibbs

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May 30, 2011

Spend the $4000 on things your mother needs or would enjoy. One big-ticket item that gives many people peace of mind is to prepay funeral expenses. Knowing that that is taken care of is sometimes comforting to elders. There may be a limit to the size of the policy or account you can have that won't count as an asset under Medicaid rules. The person who helped you determine th spend-down amount should be able to answer questions like that. Where will your mom be living? Are there things that should be done to make it safer for her? Grab bars installed? Perhaps a different toilet? An access ramp? Some newer applicances that are easier to use? Or things to make it more pleasant -- a new bedspread and curtains, a better quality lamp, a curio cabinet? Take care of these things now. New clothes, including coat and boots for next winter (if you live in that kind of climate). Or, you could just continue to pay medical expenses out-of-pocket until that $4000 is gone, and start your medicaid services then. Most people would prefer to use the spend-down money on necessities and maybe a few little splurges. Good luck!

 
 

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