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Gennya27 Asked December 2021

My mom is in assist living, I have her cat. She is on Medicaid. Is she allowed to pay for the cats vet bills and care?

JoAnn29 Dec 2021
I would say no. The PNA amount is for personal needs. To get her hair done, to buy her toiletries, to get a soda out of the vending machine, clothes. If she had the cat with her, maybe, but you have taken on that responsibility. The acct is for her needs.

MJ1929 Dec 2021
I would say that as she lives in AL now, she doesn't have a cat -- you do.

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Mamacita24 Dec 2021
What does the cat need? My cats regular checks and shots run about $125 a year.

Otherwise I'd think whatever money she's left is hers to spend.

PeggySue2020 Dec 2021
Wow, $105 for all the sundries AL typically does not provide leaves almost nothing for pet care.

Cats can be expensive. Vets certainly are. If you can't afford the cat and it's a socialized animal (i.e. not feral), it is far more likely to be rehomed than euthanized.

PeggySue2020 Dec 2021
OP, I suggest communicating with your spca as to legacy gifting programs. Way it works here is senior wills x amount to the local spca. In return, that local will pledge that should a need arise, they will bring the animal into care and ensure it a foster home, or a home in the shelter.

Geaton777 Dec 2021
Medicaid uses all but a small amount of one's SS income to pay for the care. In my state (MN) for LTC, one is left $105 per month for personal needs allowance. I don't know what the allowance is for AL in OH, but this is the money that can be used for her cat's care.
Clairesmum Dec 2021
I think Medicaid only covers LTC residential care, when a person has nothing left except Social Security.
For assisted living, this elder might have additional sources of income, or some savings.

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