She has been waiting on Medicaid for months and felt it was close to approval. After 9 months of paying out of pocket, we have simply run out of money. They are kicking her out. Can I get her in another facility? Can I keep them from kicking her out? We applied for Medicaid through the facility over 7 months ago. They just recently told us that Medicaid doesn't have it in the system and asked for original application as it would be easier for Medicaid to "scan" it into the system. Apparently, they couldn't do it with a copy. Unfortunately, all this time has gone by and now, they have asked that we remove her by the end of the month because we are beginning to pile up a bill. I feel that Medicaid could have been approved months ago, if they had not dropped the ball. What can I do?
Wiglett, this is awful! It does sound like your mom's paperwork "got lost." The nursing home wasn't following up, or didn't do it right. Work directly with Medicaid and listen to what Eddie says, since he really knows how this works.
Hang in,
Carol
Sounds like somebody lost the paperwork and you're going to have to start from scratch. Most facilities won't fuss about a pending Medicaid as long as they're getting paid some other way. (Mine is like that.) The moment they sense $ won't be coming in the easiest thing to do is discharge the person.
Go straight to Medicaid and reapply for that "American Express to Medical Services" card. Mom might not yet into another facility without it.
But to answer your question, yes the nursing home can request you find an alternative facility. However, they have to give you at least a 30 days notice of discharge, they must assist you with finding another facility and they must make sure it is a safe discharge (they can't just discharge your mom to your house if she requires 24 hour care). I would contact your local Ombudsman and challenge the notice of discharge. That might add another 90 days. In the mean time get all the required documents for Medicaid and don't try to hide anything. Medicaid will find it.
If your Mother is above the Medicaid caps you might want to get the assistance of and elder law attorney or a professional medicaid planner.
Good Luck