Are there programs to assist the elderly when they don't want to lose their house, but their Medicare benefits are almost gone?

Yes, I know that, but a lot of people don't realize that! They think their parents house is ok because they don't include it in the income bracket when determining medicaid, so they're shocked when the bill comes after death i'm ok with that, I don't think the state should have to pick up the tab if you have assets of any kind. The problem I see with a lot of people, they're trying to preserve their inheritance! I think parents work hard to provide a good living and retirement for themselves and whatever money they have should be used to give them good care when needed and if theres money left over, fine, if not, too bad! Of course, that last statement could be the topic for another post!

suezq32, what you describe probably applies in all states, with some variation in the exact rules. There are also some situations that are exceptions. But generally if you own a home and are on Medicaid, the state is entitled to be paid back from the proceeds of the house sale after the recipient dies. If in your uncles case the bill had been $95,000 and the house sold for $75,000, no one would be expected to make up the $20,000 difference.

My husbands uncle spent 2 years in a NH before he died. He owned a car and his home at the time. His savings had already been spent on home care providers. They took his SS check each month to pay for that NH. As soon as he died, they put a lien on his house and sent a $70,000 bill to his estate! The home was appraised somewhere around $75,000, was sold and the bill had to be paid off. They may not consider the house as income when you apply for medicaid, but they do come after you afterwards. He had no living heirs, except for a brother and many nieces and nephews! I know each state has different rules on this, he lived in California.

Cleo, I think you've got a kernel of truth in there, but it is a bit confused. Medicare does not pay for long term care at all. It does cover rehabilitation for various periods, depending on the need and also the progress. This is considered "transitional" -- not long term. It is application no matter what the insured owns. It may occur in a facility that also offers skilled nursing, or assisted living, or even in a hospital that has some rooms designated for this purpose.

If after the rehab services are completed the patient still needs a care center, Medicare does not cover that for anybody, no matter what their assets are. If the patient has assets and/or income the patient is expected to pay for his or her own care, as long as the money holds out. When the money is gone (but not the house or one car) the patient may be eligible for Mediciad. Part of determining eligibility is a 5-year look-back at financial transactions. Giving assets away (putting assets in other people's names) will result in a penalty period.

It is often best to consult an attorney specializing in Elder Law, especially if the assets are considerable or the finances are complicated.

Medicare coverage does not "run out" but Medicare does not cover long term care. Medicaid participation does not "run out" but needs to be renewed periodically and would change or be terminated if, for instance, the patient received a large inheritance, changing their financial status.

there is a benefit time limit in medicare to pay for nursing home care if you own a house, property, or land. Is this what you're asking? Medicare will only pay for you stay in a nursing home for 90 - 120 days with property or even large sums of money. The law usually requires you to have placed any money or property into someone else name at least 3 years prior to going into a nursing in order to keep your medicare benefits paying for your care without losing your home or having to spend down your money. Check with a lawyer in your state

Medicare and Medicaid do not "run out". Nor do you lose your house on Medicaid, you stay in it as long as you are able to.

Don't believe your medicare benefits run out until you die.

What do you mean the medicare benefits are almost gone?

I would like to know the answer to this question also.