Getting to the point of no return. Trying to figure out next steps. What is my first step?
My mother is 84. She lives in an apartment in our home for which she pays $600. That covers meals, transportation and utilities. I just found out she is $7k in debt to various credit card companies and can’t meet her minimum payments. I don’t mind chatting with these companies and explaining that they are going to close her account and cap it off with no further penalty or she will file bankruptcy. She has no other assets. She’s also paying $279 a month for a Medicare supplement that she’s barely used. Had cataracts and a broken foot in the 5 years she has paid for this insurance. Sees her family doctor twice yearly and takes minimal meds. I wonder if this plan is worthwhile for her? At any rate; what is my first step since it appears I’m going to have to take the reins here and get her back on the road.
3 Answers
Popular Questions
- I'm afraid my sister is trying to steal all of my mom’s money by being on joint accounts with her. What can I do to protect my mom?
- What is the reasonable amount for a child to receive as payment for caring for their elderly parent?
- The nursing home is holding my Mother "hostage" with a POA that was forged. Any help?
I am on Kaiser and my supplemental is under 125.00 a month. I do pay 30.00 copay for MD visits, and a copay on drugs. I never see a bill, which is the best part of it, which I now know after dealing with dozens of doctors, hospitals, labs and image companies after my brother's accident last February, and his subsequent rehab. I am so thankful to take in my 30.00, see the doc, and be free of it all. I know it isn't everywhere, but I sure recommend exploring plans with them if you can access. More than the savings is the not dealing with even seeing medicare or supplemental bills and payments, or a doc bill of any kind.
Is this old debt? What is Mom spending her money on. Hope you can get a handle on the financial for her.
My Dad, when he was just a couple years older then your Mom, out of the blue he had a heart attack. And for myself, also a senior citizen, I was blind sided by cancer which had no markers meaning not related to any family history.