Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
M
Miranova Asked April 2022

Will Medicaid want durable medical equipment returned after death?

My father passed away recently due to sudden illness. He had been living in an assisted living. Medicaid had approved him for a power wheelchair and he had it and used it for a week before he went into the hospital for the illness. It now sits in his room that I’m about to go pack up. I’m not looking to sell it, but donate to another resident of the facility who is in need. I’m concerned however, due to the expense aspect, that Medicaid may want it back. The facility doesn’t know if Medicaid will take it back or penalize me for passing it on. My dad had no real assets at his death (no house, liquid assets, or insurance). Any thoughts on this? I would hate to give it to someone just to take it away, or to have Medicaid come after me as I definitely don’t have funds to pay for it. Thank you.

97yroldmom Apr 2022
The chair probably has a label on it and possible phone number as to who supplied it.

If Medicare provided would have been considered a “rental”with majority of payment coming from Medicare. It takes about two years to pay off. Your dad didn’t have it long enough to pay it off. Call the supplier. They will know how they are getting paid.

JoAnn29 Apr 2022
As freqflyer suggested, you need to call the place that provided the chair and ask if it was a rental. If so, it needs to be returned. If not and Medicaid paid outright for it, then donate it.

Just a heads up. Medicare is usually first bill, Medicaid is secondary. So Medicare maybe involved.

ADVERTISEMENT


freqflyer Apr 2022
Miranova, check the paper work that came with the power wheelchair, it could be a "rental".

Becky04489 Apr 2022
call Medicaid office for your area. they should be able to tell you.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter