Thank you, my mother qualified for an Aid and Attendance pension which was a big help in paying her AL fees. I wish we had know about this option when my father was still living.

I am a caregiver for my grandfather and I have POA. The elder firm I am speaking with is telling me to apply for Medicaid benefits for my grandfather. He is a veteran with VA benefits (not aid and attendance) he has Medicare A&B. Recently I was notified that he is a candidate for hospice. He has advanced prostate cancer. My question is why would I apply for Medicaid when hospice will take over at this point? The law firm is advising me to get a PCA and spend down his savings to 2000K so he will qualify for Medicaid. I would like to hold onto his money for additional care if necessary. Please help with any thoughts. Thanks, Michelle

MQIT = Medicaid Qualified Income Trust. Just do a search on Google (or any search engine) on the term for a complete explanation.

What's an MQIT?

Open the MQIT. The reason is that although the amount of the VA Pension will decrease after approval, you cannot be sure exactly how long that will take. It could be the same month, it could be a few months. Opening the MQIT makes sure you stay within the regs. This what I did and I was glad I did.

The application to Medicaid contains the full VA pension amount, since it would not be reduced until after approval. If this portion of the income puts the Vet over the income limit at the time of application should a QIT be set up even though the amount will decrease after approval and then be within the income limit?

how does it affect the spouse that depends on the VA pension along with our SSI?