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We saved a bit of money, but if my husband needs a nursing home it will go in a year. He is 72 and I am 74. But we get about $50,000 a year in retirement income. He gets $32,000 plus social security, and I get social security, not much. I know that a nursing home costs at least $50,000 a year. After our savings are gone, then what?
Best to get with social/case worker to help find out those answers.
I am seeing a hospital social worker this week, and I will ask what she thinks. But Ii wonder if there is a government agency I can call. I spoke to Medicare and the rep gave me information, but Medicare is not Medicaid.
To expound a little, we are in Texas and worked with an Elder Care Attorney's office. They were able to help us get my dad qualified for Medicaid, after he had been suddenly admitted to a nursing care facility. It can take several months (we were approved after 5 months) so if you know ahead of time, it's best to do some of the paperwork then.
Usually you have to spend down your savings, sell off assets, then the facility charges what they charge and uses part or all of Medicare benefit you get monthly and what ever other income you receive then medicaid kicks in when you short paying for the monthly facility fees. You will get a monthly stipend for personal expenses. There is protection for the spouse that is not in a facility yet, it's complicated and best to consult a elder attorney.
A friend of my moms husband is in a nursing home and the elder attorney had her take everything out of husbands name, deed of home, summer camper/association they own a part in, car, bank accounts, everything, so he would qualify for medicaid aid, or something.. But it can be complicated and some people, maybe not with spouse, but their children can get in big trouble with transferring assets out of a persons control who then qualifies for medicaid. They call it a "look back" and go back 7 years or so regarding asset transfers. People get sued by the government to get back money and assets if they end up on medicaid and assets disappeared.
I am no expert. There are some in this forum who will illuminate you with details. Short form is all your assets are passed on to the State and Medicaid takes care of your bills after Medicare is used up.
I am no expert. There are some in this forum who will illuminate you with details. Short form is all your assets are passed on to the State and Medicaid takes care of your bills after Medicare is used up.
Well, thanks for all your answers. Guess it's time for me to see an elder law attorney.
Medicaid, if you qualify. You might research the details for your state, since you don't mention where you live.
I live in Pennsylvania, but we receive pension + social security. I'm pretty sure that puts us over the eligible line, and I'm just afraid I won't be able to take care of him. Because we make in retirement and social security less than what a nursing home would cost. But we'll see. I have faith and have to keep reminding myself of that faith. Thanks.
You do make too much but you can shield the money using a disability trust. Look into it since the Medicaid social worker isn't going to tell you about it but they will tell you if you mention it.
It's a lifesaver.
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