I have been my wife's POA for over about two years now. She recently was placed (April 2018) in a nursing home and her existing Medicaid was upgraded to cover her. Until this time as POA I would transfer funds from her bank account (only her name on that account) and put those funds into my account (only my name on the account) to use for continued expenses such as rent, bills etc. I assume that they now become part of my assets. Now that she is officially on the proper Medicaid, the nursing home she is in is telling me there is an outstanding balance of almost $5,000. Ever since my wife has been on any type of Medicaid, I have had a Spousal Refusal letter on file with both Medicaid and the with the nursing home when my wife was admitted. Surrendering her Social Security has caused a bit of a hardship. If I have to pay that $5,000, it would case a major hardship. My wife has no other assets outside of her bank account, Am I responsible, even with the spousal refusal on file, for that outstanding nursing home bill? Thank you.
Because of her change, maybe there is some mixup. Talk to the NH they should be able to help. If talking to them and Medicaid gets too confusing, then consult a lawyer versed in Medicaid.