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Annsson Asked April 2019

Is anyone familiar with eligibility for an additional $90 as a survivor of a deceased veteran, who is on Medicaid in a nursing home?

I have been told be the department of social services that my elderly mother might be eligible to keep an additional $90 of her income on top of the $50 they allow her to keep on Medicaid. Unfortunely, no on can help me with what I have to do to initiate it. The department of Veteran Affairs sent me over 10 PDF online forms but none seem to have the option I'm looking for. Can anyone help?

JoAnn29 Apr 2019
Like worried said, no the money can only be used for her needs. Once on Medicaid you can not use any of her money, even the 2k allowed, for anything but her needs. The family will just have to keep the house up or sell it at Market Value. Since hers is in a trust, not sure how that will work. Thats why I said, if she can't spend that $90 on her, then is mute to even go thru all the paperwork for $90 that you are going to have to worry about spending.

JoAnn29 Apr 2019
I think this has to do with Aid and Attendance. She may have had to be collecting it to get the $90. Someone else will chime in. But ask the VA about A&A. Mom will not be able to get the pension because she is on Medicaid but she may get the $90.

Your problem with adding more money to the $50, is you will need to spend that $140 on her only. Does she have the ability to ask for the money to spend on sodas or snacks out of the vending machine? Will you need to buy her clothing every month. Bring in food for her. See PNA is considered in the spend down. So $140 a month is an additional $1680 a year on top of the money she has left after spend down. So, if your States spend down is 2k and you don't spend the PNA you are now over what Medicaid allows. It can effect her Medicaid. You are going to go thru a lot of paperwork for that $90. Will she really need it?

The NH provides her Depends, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, laundrey, meals etc. My Mom was in for 5 months and I never needed to spend her PNA. Medicaid has a dentist come in, eye doctor and foot doctor. There are doctors affiliated with the facility. She has Nurses and staff 24/7. Medicaid pays for everything. There is no out of pocket.
Annsson Apr 2019
Thanks for the info. She still owns a home that is in a trust with my name also. Can any of that money be used to help pay the utilities until we see the house. Thanks

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