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Skar488299 Asked April 2015

Mom hospitalized while out of state visiting, now needs LTC. Which state (home or other) can provide Medicaid if she qualifies?

Would need medical transport home, it's about 8 hours drive. I took care of her at home, we were visiting my sibling when she got UTI. I have been going back and forth, have a part time job in home state, at least for now. Sibling has another set of problems, including PTSD, so don't know how much sibling can help.
She needs more care now, can't walk, has been in hospital 8 weeks starting with UTI, pneumonia and more.
Any thoughts on Medicaid or other options for taking care of mom would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

BarbBrooklyn Apr 2015
Talk to the social .worker at the nursing home. It sounds as though you should apply for Medicaid where she is.

Skar488299 Apr 2015
Thank you all. Update: mom was deemed medically ready for discharge, we had to get her out of hospital fast after insurance denied appeal of discharge. Found nearby Nursing home but insurance (home state) won't cover anything, so I paid one month in advance myself just to get her in last Friday night. She is sleeping a lot, still weak, may have another UTI. Sibling left to go visit daughter and grandchildren in yet another state. Free legal consult, for seniors, suggested I bring her home to sib's house (neither my or mom's house is wheelchair accessible), and try to find help, maybe immigrant to live in. Mom can't afford it. Sib can't afford it, and I'm too afraid to go too far into my retirement money. Medicaid rules in home state are quite different from state where we are now. Medicare advantage plan in home state won't let us disenroll mom because it's not an open enrollment period. They say I can't disenroll her even if I stop paying her premium. Not sure what to do. Had consulted an elderlaw attorney in home state, but advice was only pertinent to that state. I feel lost, alone, confused, and overwhelmed. I guess I'll call medicare advantage people Monday, and medicaid people in home state to see if she qualifies whether they would cover any out of state care. Any thoughts or ideas ? Your input will be greatly appreciated......

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pamzimmrrt Apr 2015
My mother had a "policy " with the local ambulance service where they lived.. they paid every year and when we had to transport Mom to our state she got a big discount. May be worth seeing if she ever "donated" to the local service? We now do this here for about a $100 donation each year. Dad had to go twice in a month and we got no bills. The social worker may be able to assist you also. There are also charities that may be able to help, your SW may know more

pamstegma Apr 2015
You would not get medical transport back home, that would be totally out of your own pocket. Hopefully you are in a good state with friendly rules.

Skar488299 Apr 2015
We doubt she will ever walk again after 8 weeks in bed. She seems to be getting better each day. Physical therapy said she is not a rehab candidate since they would have to repeat things, they said she can't remember instructions from one day to the next. She is not terminally ill, just frail, but a fighter.
Social worker will have more info tomorrow, I hope, but I'm trying to get a handle on this in advance, since she has never had this situation before.
Thank you again!!!

freqflyer Apr 2015
Any State in the U.S. can provide Medicaid, the only thing to remember that each State has their own programs, rules and regulations. You would need to do a list of the pro and con for your State, your sibling State programs. Plus the cost of a transport to take your Mom back to your home State.

I hope whatever is decided will be a win-win for everyone. Keep us up-to-date.

BarbBrooklyn Apr 2015
So, according to the folks at her current hospital, what is her prognisis? Is it time for hospice? Do they expect her to become more functional than she is right now?

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