My father(78) had a severe hemmoraghic stroke a few weeks ago(right dominant side paralyzed, loss of language, etc). He is in a wonderful inpatient rehabilitation facility and making better than expected progress. At the first care partner meeting, the facility case manager said that they requested 28 days of rehab, but Medicare only approved 23. We obviously want my father to stay here are long as possible to regain as much function as he can. My question is:
Do I need POA(Power of attorney) when it comes time to appeal the medicare decision?
If I do need POA, how can I get it? He can comprehend quite a bit but can really only communicate with head nods or shakes at this point.
I know that when my late husband had a massive stroke back in 1996, which affected his right side and he needed A LOT of PT, OT and speech therapy, that our insurance at the time only allowed so much therapy at the rehab center, but did continue covering out-patient therapy at the same facility for quite some time afterward.
Now my husband wasn't on Medicare yet as he was only 48 when he had his stroke, but I'd like to think that any and all insurance would pay for any needed therapy needed as long as the patient continues to improve.
So instead of panicking that your father may be released soon from rehab, I would be asking what the next steps are regarding his therapies either at home or at a facility, so he can continue to improve.
I wish your father well in continuing to improve.
An attorney can attend your father in while in care.
He will assess your father's ability to give you POA, but this may be crucial in future. These are uncertain times. I had my brother's attorney in hospital and rehab to do our POA and Trustee papers; so glad I did.
On to the other question.
While in rehab now call in the social worker there.
He/she will help you with the appeal forms.
Wishing all of you the very best of luck as you negotiate all of this.
With his good progress you have a very real chance at getting more time.
Your father can "make his mark" witnessed by notary or witnesses if necessary while you fill out the appeal forms.