Has anyone gone through a Medicaid spend down for placement of a LO for memory care in Oregon? The cost is devastating.

If you are paying a lawyer, they should be telling you EXACTLY what to do.

In my State you don't need to be spent down before you apply. I will give u my Mom for an example.

My Mom was in an AL and money was running out. She was down to 20k that would last about 4 months in the AL. After being on this forum for a while it was always said to get in a NH quickly, private pay as much as you can. I went to Medicaid in April and started the Medicaid application. Mom entered LTC on May 1st, she privately paid for May and June. That gave me time to get everything the caseworker needed. I was given a list and checked them off as I went. June Mom was spent down to $186. I sent an updated statement to the caseworker and then confirmed he had everything. Moms Medicaid started July 1st. You only have 90days from beginning to end to spend down.

If your Mom has money, use it to place her. It must be a place who excepts Medicaid. The NH I placed Mom, knew what I was doing. When she only has enough for 3 months, thats when u start the Medicaid process.

Even when using a Lawyer, be on top of everything. You only have a certain period of time to apply, spenddown and find a place for Mom. If not done in that time, you may have to start over. You keep in touch with the caseworker to make sure all paperwork you supply to the lawyer is getting to the caseworker. Better yet, you make sure the caseworker is getting it and cc: in the lawyer.

There was an OP some time ago asking how long did Medicaid take. Seems it had been 6 months and had not heard from the lawyer. OP was told that the Medicaid application process is usually 90 days.

I think you can place your LO while there is still money and if the facility you choose will accept medicaid they might be able to give you the answers you need. Not all memory care facilities are approved for medicaid and if they are some need you to pay privately while spending down for a certain number of months while you wait on medicaid. I was told to apply before the money was completely spent down. I didn't end up ever needing medicaid for my mom, so I don't know everything involved. Your elder law attorney should know the step by step blueprint.