Getting ready to apply for Medicaid (my mother), if I buy groceries for my father does that count as a "gift" during the look back period?

I would check this out with Medicaid. Food is a necessity. If his finances are such he can't afford it, then as his child you should provide this for him. I can't see a necessity as a gift. Same thing with paying utility bills so he has heat and light. Really, is the Medicaid that cruel to not allow the surviving spouse his basic needs?

Is he giving you money to buy groceries? Or are you buying groceries with your own money?

If he is giving you money, yes it will be considered a gift. Hopefully you can provide receipts for any transactions that you were given money for to show they are folks expenses.

A person is allowed to by him or herself food. Do you have. POA?