Moving mom in or applying for Medicaid?

if her life insurance policy has a cash value, it will have to be cashed in and the money spent on her. Medicaid will not allow her to keep a policy with a cash value.

As others have said, unless your state is very different somehow, her burial policy would be protected from Medicaid recouping before and after her passing. Depending on details so would her life insurance policy. Is she the “co-signer” or co-owner on your home? She may be both but they are two different things and even if she is co-owner it’s unlikely they would have claim on the whole house or force you to sell, typically the worst case scenario they would place a lien for the percentage of the house she owned in order to recoup that when and if it is sold. They wont force the sale of the home just protect their claim if you sell it. Medicaid and the state who runs it is not typically in the habit of throwing family out of a home the have been living in and especially have some ownership of, especially given your disability status. Consulting with an estate/Medicaid attorney would be very helpful and may not be as expensive as you fear, initial consult might even be free and the cost should also be allowed to come out of mom’s funds.

LvgDaughter,

Please make an appointment with Medicaid and talk to them about your concerns. They will help you fill out the application. The nursing home in which your mother resides should also help you. They should be able to let your mom stay there under Medicaid-pending status.

No, Medicaid will not take the burial money, nor car, nor house, especially if you have been taking care of her for the years you stated. If you need further help with the application and forms required, call your local Area Agency on Aging. They might be able to help you. Go to your state’s Medicaid website to read up on the rules and regulations, especially the exemptions for cars, house, burial, etc. Please let us know what steps you have taken to get help for you and your mother. Someone has been feeding you wrong information.

Did you put Mom on the deed? If not, cosigning does not mean Mom owns the house. Just means she will cover the loan if you can't.

Also, if the insurance policy says its for her funeral then Medicaid will not ask for it to be cashed in. Any insurance money cashed in can go towards a prefuneral arrangements. An insurance policy is not required to be cashed in if there is no cash in value or an employers policy.

I first would go to Medicaid and talk to a caseworker about ur situation. See how they may handle your Mom. Its been said on this forum that people have spoken with 2 different "elder" attorneys and gotten different answers. I don't trust Social Workers either. Medicaid all depends on each situation. I did use a lawyer because a house was involved with a nephew living there.

If you provided care for more than two years that kept her out of a nursing home, then the home may very well be an exempt asset. You need to see an elder law attorney that specializes in Medicaid.

Under Medicaid she can have one car.

Try to stop panicking, see a lawyer and get the facts.

I don't believe they can take her burial policy. If you were her spouse they could not take her car. You in effect are playing the role of the healthy spouse. I think you do need legal advice and I understand there are not alot of funds but many on this forum suggest reasonable sources for such. I am sure you will get more advice.

So, to give a fuller answer, did you consult with a lawyer when you moved her in?

You REALLY need to consult with a certified Eldercare attorney to sort this out so that you ability to remain in the home (since you were mom's caregiver) is protected. Her burial policy, if properly done, should also be safe from Medicaid. In most cases, one's home and one vehicle are "protected assets".

I'm curious where you are getting your information from.

Why do you think that Medicaid will take her car or burial policy? Have you consulted an eldercare attorney?