What to do when money runs out for in home care?

CarolC75: Kudos to you! I am surprised, yet glad, that you didn't have to go through the 5 yr lookback process. Hugs...((( )))

Well, I just found out how it all works.. I completed the "short" application. Sent the required paperwork on my husbands irrevocable burial policy and the current bank statement showing he had under $2,000.
After that, I had to sign a letter saying a Mediciad Nurse Reviewer could go,to,the facility and do a level of care. Within, 3 days I received a letter saying he had qualified for Mediciad. It took approximately one month!
The facility said our particular state is one of the most efficient and timely with Mediciad approvals.
I'm all done and didn't have to address the 5 year look back, no previous bank statements, no previous income tax....just the 2-3 papers.
I'm so glad this is over and was so easy to complete. I'm 75 years old and couldn't have done so much leg work without getting some help.
So, bottom line....depends on your circumstances and the state you live in and how complicated they make it.

Medicaid is financial only. It doesn't matter if you're sick or well. If your assets are under a certain amount , you can qualify for medicaid.

CarolC75: We are an elder caregiving site, so o0Michael is just trying to guide you. And yes, be prepared for the 5 year lookback.

Michael, what all will they ask for next for me to collect? Is it actual bank statements, all IRA accounts, income tax...what else? I don't have all these, I'll,have to go to the banks and ask for copies of each. Do people actually pour over all this stuff?! I suppose they have to do it...
Anything I'm missing here? And, thanks for your help.

o0Michael: In general, people procrastinate...not all, but many.

People wait too long when they could have prepared to qualify sooner so when they really need it the process goes faster. I am fortunate to have located someone with a lot of experience handling this. I do not have to undergo the steep learning curve. Even having someone doing the footwork it is still time consuming preparing the documentation for the specialist. If I had to do everything myself it would get delayed as it all poses a significant challenge.

Yes, you could apply early and then not use it. But you cannot apply early unless everything is in order as far as the amount of money that a person has at the time. As I said, I was told to apply early and when I did, my husband still had too much money so I actually had to apply all over again.

on Michael: Agree on the editing need.

(This forum needs editing capability)
Individual circumstances are a major factor of course.

CarolC75 is not correct about applying early. You certainly can apply early and you don't have to draw upon it immediately. The point being missed is whether you are in a position to qualify. People believe you have to wait which is frequently too late. My father had some savings acquired before he required caregivers. The savings has been going quickly. I have a specialist guiding me as we apply before the money runs out.

CarolC75: Yes, that is correct on the 5 year lookback. You must obtain all bank records from 5 years back.

So,people can't apply early and get it done as some are saying on here. Things have to be ready such as the amount of money a person has and if the person meets a nursing home level of care. I was told they would send out a nurse next and have my husband evaluated and a level determined to base the monthly cost that they will pay to the facility for his care.
After that eval, I don't know what else they will require.
I know there is a 5 year look back but I'm not sure how they do that. I'm assuming that I'll have to get all bank statements for the past 5 years, IRA'S and savings. I have no idea what else but I'll sure be finding out very soon! UGH!

CarolC75: Yes, of course they declined it. Your monies have to be $2K and under. Plus be prepared for the 5 year lookback.

I applied for Medicaid for my husband two months ago but they just declined and said to apply again when his money was below the $2000 limit. So I recently had to reapply and its in the process right now.
So far they've only asked for two things: the bank statement for this month showing he is below the limit and his burial policy that shows it is irrevocable. So far that's it....
I have no idea what to expect after this but I'll keep everyone posted. By the way, I'm in Idaho and I know Mediciad varies from state to state.

Apply for Medicaid now...do not wait!

Also, be prepared for the Medicaid 5 year lookback.

Check with the local Area Agency on Aging. They may be able to assist you with identifying other community options. Our local office has a navigator program that provides personalized assistance with identifying resources the individual qualifies for. For instance, there may be an agency that will provides in-home care on a sliding-fee scale basis. Also, don't forget the State or the local Department of Aging and Disability Services (it may be called something else in your area). They also can provide in-home care, but this process could take a few months due to Medicaid. You can also check to see if there are any church-based teams of volunteers (care team) who reach out to the elderly and those with disabilities. These volunteers seek to provide various assistance and you may be fortunate enough to have a team at your church or another church in your town. If that's not an option perhaps you can assemble your own team of family and friends who can rotate providing in-home care 2-4 hours at a time. Good luck!

If he can go into a facility, they will wait for the payment from Medicaid to pay back to his admit date. Facilities are familiar with this process .

IF qualify -- Medicaid can retro 3 months.

From what I have read and been told it could take months for Medicaid to come through. You can apply and not draw upon Medicaid until necessary. So it is better to apply before you need it so it is ready to go.

As for you immediate need, can you move in or move the person to you temporarily?

Apply for Medicaid before the money runs out.

(It took 6 months for my dad to be approved for Medicaid)