During the 5 year look back am I allowed to take my son on a trip to another country to see my granddaughter?

For Medicaid, they would consider that as a *gift* to your son.

I would need him with me. I am 83 and not strong. Could he be considered a caregiver?

mythyme, that's a tough question to answer.... I would recommend that you talk to an Elder Law attorney.

I would think that in order for your son to be your caregiver, you would need to draw up an employment contract saying you are paying him a salary plus payroll taxes..... as to how long that contract should remain in effect, the Elder Law attorney could advise.

If you take your son on a trip overseas to see your granddaughter, then who is going to look after your husband with alzhiemer's that you mention you have been caring for the past 13 years?

I'm afraid the trip would be considered a gift. Depending on how far you would have to fly two tickets round trip overseas could easily run $4,000 or more. My son studied overseas this past summer and the round trip ticket just for him was almost $2,000 and that was flying to Austria.

mythme I thought you were already a caregiver. You can't be both a patient and a caregiver. It won't fly with Medicaid, it's a gift, pure and simple.

Im sorry, im confusing you. For the last 15 years I have taken care of y husband. Last july he fell and broke his hip and
was inhospital for 2 months because he
got mrsa in the surgery. Hes too much for me to take care of now. Ihave been suffering from major depression and am finally feeling better. I would not go overseas alone. My son will go with me and help me.

In september I placed my husband in a care home for dementia. Sorry.

Thanks for the update! That is helpful to know. I'm sorry that he's in a care home for his dementia, but that is where he needs to be. I'm glad to hear that you are finally feeling better from your depression.

Have a good trip with your son.

Sorry, it is a gift, and your husband is already in a nursing home, so don't do it. Plus, you will have no health care coverage in Canada or any other country. Medicare does not cover you out of country. Medicaid won't cover you outside of the state of Washington.