Haven't received bill for private room charge. When should I expect it?

freqflyer: You're correct on the 20 day Medicare protocol.

The days of estates are definitely gone for the middle class, FF. Increase in the length of life and cost of end-of-life care evaporates them completely. I hope that my mother has enough to carry her through without having to apply for Medicaid. We never know.

That's actually kind of glum for FT family caregivers, y'know. Say that a person quits their job and loses all the salary and retirement benefits. Then there is no estate, either. Family caregivers really do have to be careful to make sure their own needs are met when caregiving. Otherwise there will be nothing left for them at the end when it comes to resources.

After 20 days, Medicare stops paying, and it becomes self-pay. I will check with Hospice as I would think some items would be paid even if one is in a facility.

In a way I wonder how fair this is. My parents saved big time and were frugal their whole lives, they did without, and now Dad is writing checks left and right for long-term-care for Mom. If they had shopped until they dropped and didn't save for rainy days, then Medicaid would pay for everything. It's like being rewarded for not saving. Don't get me wrong, I am glad Medicaid is there for those who really need it.

Makes me wonder why I am saving for my old age? Is it going to get me much better care? No, as those residents on Medicaid are getting the same care as my Mom on self-pay. In a fancier place? Maybe for a short time until the money runs out, and at $132,000 a year [$11k per month] it will disappear quickly.

If you're concerned about them billing all at once on down the road, set back the payment each month in savings. Then if they do that, you'll have the money ready to pay. I would ask if anything is owed, though. They might be sending the bill to the wrong address.

Nice to know you never have to buy another pack of depends or boost unless of course we need them....oh please not yet!

FF when you are on medicaid everything is paid except hair salon and private room if she is in one. EVERYTHING else is paid for so no worries there.

Not sure about the rest but oxygen should be paid by Medicare and supplimental. Mom's balance was $20 a month. Air mattress should be covered too.

EBeach, go again the nursing home's business office and ask if there are any charges.

My Mom is in a nursing home, she started the middle of September and I received a bill last week. My Mom was in under Medicare for the 20 days, then she became self-pay right after that.

Maybe it is different when one has Medicaid. I wonder if Medicaid pays for everything, where my Mom has to pay for general costs not included in the daily room rate such as laundry, air mattress, oxygen, wheelchair, Boost, depends, etc.

Thanks for everyone's responses. I'm just wondering if they can send a bill in like two years from now and I'd still be required to pay it. We are moving, my mom included, next spring. I'd love it taken care of before then but if we don't receive a bill, how late can they charge us for the room?

Possibly they have missed sending you the bill..
Or it got lost in the mail. You have the choice to call them or wait for the bill to arrive.

Medicare does not pay for long term nursing care. Even if Medicaid takes a while it shouldn't be a year or more.

Reminder: Medicare sometimes takes a loooooooooong time to catch up to real time.CaringForTwo: Why would you be frantic? Anxiety does no good and even elevates your blood pressure. Calm down.

No one should wait this long to be billed. Once they offset with the SS, then medicaid a bill should go out with the next billing. If u get nowhere with the clerk, say u want to talk to a supervisor. There is no reason you should be billed this late. If u get nowhere, talk to the administrator.

My mom was put in the nursing home in April three years ago. I was informed of the additional amount to pay in June. From then on I received a bill monthly. I am from North Carolina. Maybe different states do different things. I would surely think that you should have received a bill by now.

We are in the same situation with our mother. She's still in a private room and we haven't received a bill for that extra amount since she qualified for Medicare in April.

Oh my gosh I would be frantic at this point too, and I hope someone has a good suggestion for you. Meanwhile, does the NH have a social worker on staff? That person might help you get answers.