Medicaid - requested statements but bank blocked me. Has anyone else had this problem?

When my step dad was dying he had accounts in a bank and a credit union. Mum was his POA and Executrix. I cannot remember which was which, but while he was alive, one happily accepted the POA (it had been prepared by a lawyer), the other needed a strongly worded letter from the lawyer to get its act in gear.

After he died, things switched, the one that had been helpful with the POA dug in its heels over the Will and Mum being Executrix, the other was easy to deal with.

The one that was a problem, after he died, finally started acting appropriately when Mum had a complete breakdown in the bank. It was not the staff person's fault, it was their systems, and it took an upper manager to override the barriers.

In your case, you have the paperwork where Medicaid is requesting the bank statements, can you take that in to them?

If this does nothing else it does notify people to keep monthly bank statements, receipts, expenditures, all records. They just have to be kept. So sorry you are going through this. Many POA have a little notification of the penalties involved financially for ignoring a legitimate POA, letters testamentary, certification of trust and other legal papers. I always encourage people to get these major papers done with an attorney; it is often worth it in the end, and in the case of a poorly drafted POA, it is often too late to do it right.
Sure do wish you good luck. Sure hope you update us on what works. And do know in banks, GO TO THE TOP; do not bother with tellers and account folks at desks. They often are poorly trained and know nothing. And as you already showed us, do make the statement "Are you aware that ignoring a legally drafted _________has penalties under the law?"

Wells Fargo?

My POA was never questioned at my bank but maybe that was because Mom and I had accts there for years. And, I live in a small town. I had my POA on file at the bank. This isn't Wells Fargo is it? I hear they are buggers about POAs.

This really surprises me because banks must have to do this all the time for people who apply for Medicaid. Have you spoken to an officer? There is a big turnover of people who work the window. They can't know everything. My bank has the main branch in another town. Have you tried going over there head. And you are assuming that Medicaid won't send a letter?

Do you have access to Dads account online? You may be able to go back and print out statements.

You will be surprised who will not except a POA. Government agencies for one. SS does not recognize them.

Just contact the bank and ask them what paperwork they need from the POA in order to honor said POA.

As was mentioned elsewhere, banks like to have their own POA paperwork in place. It just is what it is because anyone could put together a fake POA and present it to them.

Is your parent able to speak to the bank personally to confirm the legitimacy of the POA? My dad went into the bank with me when I took over his finances, so they knew who I was and that he had indeed OK'd the POA.

Yes, it was a pain, but keep in mind they're responsible for his money, and be glad they're protecting it.

It sounds like you have already resolved the banking problem by threatening a lawyer involvement. Many banks require you fill out their own POA documents before complying. I'm sure Medicaid wouldn't write any letters on your behalf. Other establishments may also want you to fill out their own documents.