How do I reimburse myself for gas, mileage, food and incidentals for the past 2 years? Mom has to spend down for Medicaid.

can you buy gift card for your Medicaid spend down?

I know how you feel. My girlfriend and I are in a similar situation. My mother gets Social Security, and I get paid by the state for caring for her. She gets food stamps too. We have to pay her rent to live here, then we spend the rest of the check we get for household goods and food, while she has money while we are STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY" She always complains that "She never has money" and that's B.S. I saved every receipt for the last 18 months. I estimate that I have spent quite a bit for supplies "FOR HER". She told me that that is what the money is for. And once again that's B.S. That money is for the care we give her, not for paying for her prescriptions, her cigarettes, etc. It's "NOT RIGHT" There is no reasoning with her, because she has dementia and alzsheimers. She has a negative mind set and nothing can change it. I feel for you, we don't know how to rectify the situation.

An accepted spend down is a funeral package for your mom. Medicaid actually suggests it.

Oh, I meant to say, Mom is well clothed and shoed for years to come, she has a high speed TV, gift cards to her favorite restaurants and I am purchasing a recliner for her room as well as additional quilts, but never thought about the magzine subscriptions. Thanks again, thats what I need more ideas for purchase.

Thank you Jeannegibbs, you have always been helpful. How are you these days? I hope you are coming along well and please stay on this site, your advise and experiences are valued. I updated Mom's Preneed Funeral expenses. I'm not comfortable with going back in time for payment, just seemed logical to me that since I've been the "Responsible Party" for more than 2 years, running back and forth to the Nursing Home, Hospital etc this should logically be an expense deductible for theirs (Dad up until his passing).

I will update and share my experiences, my aim is to do right by Mom, the State and myself.

This is one of the reasons I think it is a really good idea for family members to let their parents pay their own way, to the extent that they comfortably can. If you had been billing your mom for these expenses monthly or quarterly or as they occurred, no problem. But going back 2 years, without receipts, is going to be a different issue. I suggest that you consult an attorney who specializes in Elder Law, and see if there is some legitimate way your mother can retroactively pay you for past caregiving or expenses or rent or anything you provided. While you are at it, this is a good time to take care of POA, and Medical POA if you haven't already.

You "updated" her insurance ... is this for burial purposes? Life insurance owned by the applicant is considered an asset, so ask the lawyer to be sure what you've done will be helpful.

Things that are often useful to spend down on include magazine subscriptions for a few years out, paid-up cable service, several extra pair of shoes, seasonal clothes such as coats and jackets, deluxe equipment versions, such as a wheelchair or better walker than Medicaid provides, a new recliner, a laptop computer or tablet, if that is something Mom could enjoy. Think not only current needs but needs for the next few years. Once she is on Medicaid she will only have a small monthly allowance and items like a new coat or high quality walking shoes can be hard to come by.

Good luck! And if you do see a lawyer, let us know the results. We learn from each other!