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Erwin,

1. Is your father getting any assistance from the VA? If not, consider contacting a local VFW or American Legion post, or go directly to the VA or one of the county VA services to apply for medical assistance. If he has a service connected disability, apply for that as well.

2. I suspect your father doesn't have a supplemental insurance to pay the portion which Medicare doesn't pay. We have Medigap plans, which pay the "gap" portion, the 20% that Medicare doesn't pay. Other than direct pay for lotions and some assistive devices, all our bills have been paid by the Medigap plan.

This is the time to research the plans and decide on one before (I believe) Dec. 7, the end of the choice change period.

3. I hesitate to suggest this but perhaps bankruptcy should be considered. I don't know how changes in the bankruptcy laws as a consequence of the real estate recession might affect medical payments, but it's worth a consideration.

4. I would take a second look at the outside agencies that are providing about $1K weekly in expenses.

a. Check out paratransit options through the local public transit agency; it's cheaper than by ambulance/ambulette.

b. Consider getting Medicare Part D to provide assistance with meds; also contact the manufacturers/pharmaceutical companies directly to see if they have low income plans - that would reduce the cost somewhat if he qualifies.

c. Consider getting Meals on Wheels; the meals aren't restaurant quality, but they're also not restaurant priced. We pay $3 for a packaged meal, with a well balanced meal and sides. Meals can be ordered for the weekend as well.

d. Cook in big batches, pack in microwaveable containers if you have them. Your father can just microwave the meals; that'll save you some time in going over to cook for him.

e. Check out food pantries and see if he can get free food - canned goods, etc. Check with local bakeries to see if they have surplus outlets. In our area bread that's perhaps a day or two days old can be purchased for about 1/3 to 1/2 of the store cost.

4. Contact your county and state offices and see if they have elder law agencies. Michigan has an Elder Law organization which provides information on various assistances available for seniors - ranging from food to utilities.

5. Also contact the local senior center in your community to find out what they offer.

I think you could bring down that $1K weekly cost if you can tap into some of these local resources.
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Yes, it was Medicare B on the bed, if I understand what the doctor's office told me. They made the request.
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Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. I wrote a long reply, but my internet crashed and it got lost. Very quickly-

They told us six months ago not eligible for medicaid
Dr did write them, they said not covered. I will ask him to try again
He does not have part D medicare. I think he has part B, which paid 80% of his hospital and left them immediately demanding the balance which he cannot cover without being left destitute.
I have no plans for his future. I guess he'll live with me as long as possible. Then?
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Does your dad have Medicare Part B? Is that the insurance that you refer to with regard to the hospital bed?
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What are your plans for his living situation? since it doesn't sound like he can afford to continue to pay caregivers is it time to consider a Medicaid facility ?

This must be so hard for you - I'm sorry
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A couple of things.

Have you applied for Medicaid for your dad? It sounds as though he would be eligible. Going forward, that would pay his hospital and ambulance bills, prescriptions and might cover some home care services. Get started on the application today.

Has his doctor written a precription for the hospital bed? That's who needs to say that it's medically necessary. Call his doctor today. And get the doctor to scrpt some home care.

I would also find an eldercare lawyer who will give you a free " first consultation" to advise on the bills.

More folks will be along with more advice, I'm sure.
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