My dad (84 years) fell and broke his hip earlier this year. In February he transferred to a facility for rehab and since he was in the early stages of dementia, once his insurance covered rehab stint ended, they opted not to continue because he couldn't remember what he was taught from 1 day to the next. So, I moved him into the long term care area of their facility because I just could not provide him with the care he needed at home and he still can't walk. His insurances (Medicare & Medicaid) covered his long term stay for 6 months, now I've become responsible for what Medicaid won't pay - close to $900 per month. He doesn't have a secondary insurance and I'm wondering if I can get one and pay that premium (which I'm hoping will be less money) instead of the $900 straight to the facility.
If the facility accepts a patient into a Medicaid bed, they get the patients income ( SS, pension) and whatever Medicaid pays.
I doubt you could get insurance for him at this point, but he has insurance that should cover everything -- Medicaid!
If I were you I'd start by having a conversation with the Medicaid case worker.
While the $900 per month may seem interchangeable to you, it really isn't.
You want to get a NAELA certified lawyer who really understands Medicaid in your state, not someone who starts talking about hiding money.
YOU should not be paying for your parent's care, no matter how much you love them. Please keep that in mind if someone (family, Social Worker, friends, etc) start trying to guilt you into it.
JeanneGibbs, $900 to ensure my dad stays in LC or to my mother, it's six in one hand, 1/2 dozen in the other. I know my parents are eligible for more than they are getting, that's my biggest concern and to Barb's point, an EC atty is probably my best bet