I moved to Mom's hometown six years ago to care for her. I'm on disability. I took care of her for 3 yrs in her apt. Did everything, over there 3 times a day. My brothers live out of town. When it got too difficult 2 yrs ago we admitted her to a nursing home her income, long term care and savings paid for it. Now long term is running out, savings depleted. No way to pay for it. To qualify for Medicaid they'll take everything she owns, her car that I use to go see her, shop for her. Her life insurance policy, burial policy so we'd have no way to pay for funeral. They'd also put a lien on my home since she Co signed the loan within 5 years. Do I apply for Medicaid, lose my home, car, policies or move her in with me? I'd have to provide all her care, get a hospital bed, lift, wheelchair. Bed baths, clothing, feeding, bedpan & cleanup because she can't use a bathroom. It would be very difficult with my disability.
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.
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.
Under Medicaid she can have one car.
Try to stop panicking, see a lawyer and get the facts.
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.