Have you walked your parent through the process of applying for Medicaid or other assistance programs? Do you have helpful advice to share or questions for those who have been there and done that, so to speak?
One piece of advice that was shared with me, with regard to applying for Medicai, was to call the Social Security office to make an appointment. If you just walk in, your wait is likely to be much longer. I was also told to ask, in that phone call, what information you'll need to bring with you so you don't waste the trip.
My mother will be 92 shortly, has lived in a nursing home for just about 2 yrs.,has been paying $6,000 a month for just the nursing home, and will have gone thru her money by the end of 2009. I know she will have to go on medicaid; I am in the process of finding out the procedure for this process. I am really so unsure of everything and nervous and depressed. She has been in a private room as she says she will not be able to be in a room there with some person with a t.v. playing loudly, screaming outloud, etc. She is somewhat coherent even at her age; she is very frail and can't see. I have paid her bills, have all of her files, and have kept good copies of everything. I have a brother but he barely calls her-it all makes him "nervous". So many problems with the nursing home! Any advice would be so appreciated. Thanks. carpfour
We have been through this process with my FIL a couple of years ago. Here are some things that I found helpful.
Check with the social worker at the facility where she is at now. They might be able to give you the name and phone number of the 'social worker' you would see at the 'local' medicaid office.
We live in Maine - - we needed copies of ALL bank statements for the past 5 years.
The 'blue book' value of any vehicles
A list of all the assets.
Normally if you call the medicaid office they will send you a list of all the things you will need.
Some care facilities if you enter under private pay they can transition you right over under medicaid. Check with the social worker at the facility for information on this.
If I can help in any other way let me know.
Cindy
stocks_32@yahoo.com
I called our local office and had a packet mailed to me. It includes information that SSA requires, application forms, instructions and a contact. Once you've received your packet, call your contact for an appointment, fill out the application as completely as possible and keep a copy of every document that you will ever come across again as long as you live. I have his employment records, birth certificate, passport, drivers license, union cards, W-2's, tax returns, medical records, all kinds of crap on a stick that I take with me to dr's, hospitals, nursing centers, SSA, Medicaid, and any other social service offices or landlord that require any information. If you need a POA, get 8 copies or so and also keep a copy on your stick. Document every correspondence and be patient. Medicaid takes about 90 days or so before you will receive an answer. SSA starts paying approx. 5-7 months after you receive an answer.
I'm a Medicaid Specialist for Nursing Home Medicaid. I would love to help anyone who has questions about Nursing Home Medicaid in FL , it is very confusing and everyone tell you different story's. Most people qualify but have no idea that they do and the nursing homes want tell you this not when they get the $6000 payment each month. You also don't need to pay the high attorney fee's to get help with Nursing Home Medicaid. I can be reached at simplymedicaid@gmail.com
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