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Dem - dad applies for Medicaid. $ 2,600 a mo with a community spouse (your mom), dad is going to qualify. It sounds like they still have a bit of $ and really they need to ASAP see an elder law attorney to come up with options as to how to maximize the funds for moms living expenses as she is the community spouse.
Only dad needs to become impoverished for Medicaid. Not mom & dad!! Medicaid for couples is a really different animal and calls out for someone to work with your parents in all this. Your folks can't as mom is all focused on dads needs and likely overwhelmed. most of what you read & what advice you get on Medicaid is geared for widow /widowers situations which although heavy on documentation is pretty straightforward in that they have to be impoverished. your mom as a CS needs to keep the maximum in assets (114k for most states) and needs to get the maximum in CSRA /MMNA. These are resource allowances deducted from dads required copay to the NH. CSRA / MMNA is kinda like alimony for the CS. Some states have CSRA high too - like TX it's over $ 2,500 a mo the CS could retain.
For couples theres other issues too - like most married couples have each other as the beneficiary of their life insurance policy....bad idea cause if mom dies, the insurance $ causes dad to become ineligible for Medicaid. It's items like this that good legal will just know to do. If there's some $ sifting to be done, legal will know a good financial advisor to get things done for the CS that are Medicaid compliant. Personally for couples situations, I'd go with a NAELA attorney in your state. Good luck & get on this soon as you don't want your folks to spend down anymore than needed.
I am including links to three articles:
www.AgingCare.Com/120513
www.AgingCare.com/135476
www.AgingCare.com/133268
I hope that you find them helpful.
Thank you for being a caregiver.
Dani
AgingCare.com Editor
However, your state may have some special programs for housing. Most have gov. subsidized apartment complexes for seniors. Check your state's office on aging (or it may be called something else.)
good luck
Lilli