My grandmother was placed in the nursing home in November 2017. She is being denied Medicaid. Any advice?

My grandfather passed away in December of 2012. She received $23,000 in a life insurance policy in Jan. 2013 after he died. She cashed the check and it was never deposited so now they won’t approve her. What does this mean? Will she be penalized or will I have to find other arrangements until the 5 year look back period has passed. I really wish I would’ve known all the rules before she applied. She can’t stay alone and I’m a single mother of two and I can’t afford to stay home with her.