Father In Law Issues Living/Financial

Hi Fred,

Welcome to Caring's community.  I'm really glad you posted.

First, let me say that I'm sorry your father-in-law (FIL) is dealing with Alzheimer's and this financial mess.  I'm also sorry your wife has UC.  I've got a family member with it as well and my heart goes out to her and you.  It can be miserable. 

I'm going to do some talking, but you'll need to verify it all as I do not live in CA.  It is my understanding that MediCal is California's Medicaid program.  That should pay for your FIL's assisted living expenses.  His Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS) is most like a health insurance policy and will not pay for costs associated with the assisted living room and board.  What it likely covers is doctor visits, tests, procedures and prescriptions.  When he incurs those costs the BCBS will pay first and MediCal second. 

My advice is to NOT give up his second (BCBS) insurance.  My understanding is that if you do that, he will not ever be eligible to get that back.  I know this sounds like a long shot, but if he is never deemed ineligible for MediCal, he would be without any health insurance, unless, of course, he's eligible for Medicare.  Yet still, private insurance like BCBS often has better coverage than Medicare.  I'd hold on to that.  Does he have to pay a monthly premium for it or is it at no cost to him?

I'm not sure where to start with sorting out his financial issues.  Have you thought about contacting a financial planner for assistance?  I know our bank has them and they provide a free service.  You may also want to talk to a lawyer.  Bankruptcy may be the way to go, but I'm not knowledgeable about it enough to say one way or another. 

Please keep us updated.  And I'm hopeful others will have some great advice.

Hi, and welcome. I am so sorry to hear of your father in law's Alzheimer's and financial problems. Financial problems alone are extremely stressful and adding other complications to it makes things tough.

Like Missy said, I would definitely keep the BCBS insurance policy, especially if he is not having to pay a monthly premium on it. If MediCal will cover his assisted living expenses, they should take him, regardless of his private financial situation. I would definitely check individually with each assisted living facility you are considering to verify that, however.

Again, welcome, and please come back anytime to post updates,questions, or even a vent. I know we have some members around with more expertise in financial matters than I do and I'm sure they'll have some great advice to share.

Thank you for both of your responses, they are very helpful.  We are going to take my father in law to the home tomorrow and hopefully they will accept him even with his financial troubles.  We will keep his BS/BC insurance because it is no cost to him and its to his benefit.  I will keep you all posted on his progress.  Also, as for his financial situation, I spoke to a lawyer and she said the creditors are just out of luck once he enters the Medical program and is in the home.  Thats one aspect of his situation we no longer have to worry about. 

Thanks for coming back to update us! How did it go at the home yesterday- was he accepted? I talked with one of Caring's editors/experts about the situation you described in your very first post and here's what he had to say:

"1. Medi-Cal may pay for assisted living, but many assisted living facilities do not accept Medi-Cal residents. And since he has no other assets, non-Medi-Cal assisted living places will not take him unless the family agrees to pay. So, sounds like he needs Medi-Cal to pay for his assisted living, which means the choice of assisted living facility is limited.
        2. If the FIL qualifies for Medi-Cal (which it sounds like he will), the question of which insurance will pay first may not quite as cut-and-dried as Missy suggests. Some retirement health coverage becomes secondary to Medicare/Medicaid -- it all depends on the terms of the retirement package health care. The reader should check with Blue Cross and/or the benefits office at the previous employer to find out what the exact terms are of the coverage re Medicare/Medi-Cal. Either way, though, it's a good idea to hang on to the private insurance unless there are premiums he can't afford.
        3. As to the bills, the family should check with a bankruptcy lawyer. If he has no assets anyway, and nothing to leave in an estate, it might not be worthwhile filing for bankruptcy. "

I hope this helps a bit! 

Lisa  

Thanks Lisa!  Your input is well appreciated. 

Yesterday, the Medi Cal facility said my father in law will be accepted into their place, whoo hooo! He is single, has no money (less than 2 grand in his bank) and makes about 1200 bucks from SS and his pension.  Now, they say that they will take all his money, his share of cost is 885 (will get a 35 dollar allowance each month), but whats confusing is why isn't his share of cost 1200 dollars since thats how much he makes a month?  What will happen to the difference? Medi Cal will pay for the rest which is like 4500 dollars or something like that.  Also, since he is entering the facility in the middle of the month, who pays for that? I should have asked the admin while I was there, but it's difficult when you have so many emotions running that day.  So, my father in law will be entering the home today and thats when the paperwork will start the admin stated.  I have asked my wife not to sign anything because I dont want us liable for any of his bills.  He still is very functional at this point, so he should be able to sign all his papers, correct? Does my wife have to sign any responsiblity? Anyways, I will keep you all updated.  Thank you.