Can Medicare collect expense reimbursements from Mom estate after the lawyers told us it was okay to collect?

Mom has been in nursing home since 2012 I live 4 hours away; the lawyers told the family that normal travel expense (mileage, lodge food) could be reimbursed. But now Medicare is asking for these monies back in order for mom to qualify. Can they do that? Am I in danger of her not qualifying if I don't pay the monies back? I wouldn't have done this if not on the advice of council from one of the top lawyers on Elder care. I don't have the month to give back.
Confused