Mother (85) lives w/ me & chips in $600 a month from Social Security. If her health declines how do I get her on Medicaid? She has nothing.

Although its always good to have any document notarized where one party may not be able to speak for his/her-self in the future, very few states actually require care giving contracts be notarized. Please do not delay creating a basic care giving or board and care agreement between you and your mother until you can use an attorney or schedule notarization. Even a hand written agreement is better than nothing, especially if completely written in your mother's hand.

Hi ROMI2018, yes I would definitely get some professional legal advice first and make sure she has her durable PoA, Healthcare Directive, Living Will, Last Will, etc. all in place. If this doesn't happen it will make the challenging task of caregiving needlessly more challenging. If you have siblings, everything you do should be communicated to them prior so they aren't surprised by anything, can't "interpret" your actions wrongly and gives them an opportunity to chip in with any help. Medicaid mostly does not pay for AL, but in some states it may pay for some of it (and if this isn't accurate someone will correct this). It definitely covers LTC and MC and hospice.

Then when these things are in order take your mom to her doctor for a physical and discretely request a cognitive exam and also check for a UTI, just for good measure. This way you know what you're dealing with in regards to medical care.

The app for Medicaid can be found online at your county's website (Dept of Health and Human Services). You can download it to see what it requires and create a working copy, even taking it to the attorney appt to discuss any questions or concerns. FYI the "clock" starts ticking when they receive your official application in the mail. If they have questions or need more info they will mail you a letter (and ONLY MAIL -- they will not call you!). You will have about 1 week to respond so make sure to open any mail from them immediately and respond to their request immediately. If you don't do this you will probably have to fill out an entirely new app all over again. It will take about 3 months to know if she's qualified for it or not. (again, it comes in the mail). In the meantime, shop facilities and hopefully you will find a satisfactory local one. Make sure they accept Medicaid (some places do not and in this case you will be forced to relocate her to a facility that does). Your mom will have an easier time entering a facility on private pay since "outsiders" often will be on waiting lists since facilities have very few Medicaid rooms and existing residents get first dibs over outsiders. When your mom is close to running out of money that is when you can apply for Medicaid. The only change is that she will be moved to a Medicaid room and have a roommate (no private rooms on Medicaid). Otherwise all her care and attention will be the same. You will have to reapply for Medicaid for her every year on the anniversary of when she last was accepted. If she has no assets the app is fast and simple. I wish you all the best!

The amount you are collecting is very low and maybe covers room and board alone. Then there is the care you provide. In home care 24/7 would likely be in excess of $10,000.00 a month which will vary based on your location.

Do you have a room and board, written and notarized agreement with mom? Is she capable of understanding an agreement? How long have you been collecting $600.00 a month from her?

If there is not an agreement you need to do this now. Not having one could very likely effect mom's Medicaid. Without an agreement Medicaid's audit will assume the $600.00 to you is a gift, making mom ineligible for coverage.

You need to see an elder law attorney for help to straighten this out.

Agree with pp.  Also, our eldercare attorney said that while a caregiver arrangement must be notarized, and amount must be included in recipients taxable income, and rent also must be included in taxable income, a roommate agreement, where you are paid a fair amount for room and board should be documented, and can not result in profit for you.  I am guessing 600 is fair.

I suggest contacting your local Area Agency on Aging and get started qualifying your mother now. Community Medicaid offers some services just based on monthly income: transportation to/from senior centers and other needed activities, housekeeping, adult day care, meals on wheels, sometimes paying Medicare part B. In some states, Medicaid can also be used like a supplemental plan to pay Medicare deductibles or co-pays. Even if she doesn't qualify because of her savings now, going through the application process can identify if there are any other qualifying issues.