Additional information requested by Medicaide

Two weeks ago I submitted a Medicaide application for Mom to her state Department of Health and Welfare.   Last week, Wednesday to be exact, I got a call from a lady reviewing her information.   She needs MORE information from me.  I expected this request but didn't know exactly what she'd need.   Long story short, she needs information that specifically identifies Mom's expenses for medical insurance and prescriptions.   This is necessary so the state can very specifically determine how much of Mom's money will go to her basic needs, her assisted living facility, her medical insurance and her prescriptions.  Then the state will determine exactly how much they will contribute toward her room and board at the ALF.    This leaves me really stressed about two things:

First:  We need to get a signature on a form, called an "Intent to Return Home".  My brother and I are really worried over getting her signature on this form.  We fear that she'll believe it means that she can go home then we'll have to tell her all over again, why she can't.

Second:  I worry that the state will pay so very little that the ALF will require her to share a room.  I worry that she'll get a disruptive and mean roommate.   I've heard awful stories from friends and acquaintances about room mates stealing money, clothing, pooping in beds, locking themselves in share bathrooms and the like.  Yikes!!!  All I can do is pray for the best and try to make plans to reduce her stress if she gets a room mate.

Why is this "Intent to Return Home" form necessary?  Because, without it, the state might force the immediate sale of her home to pay for her care.  If my brother didn't need a place to live, if the market were better and we'd get more money for it, we'd gladly do support her.  But!  the reality is that my brother, with his own health issues and need for low-cost housing, needs to live at her home.   She would also be heartbroken to know that her home is sold; she would loose all hope.   We are letting her live in a state of denial.  It keeps her happy and supports her sense of well being.  The state WILL recoup the money they spend on Mom by forcing us to sell it upon her death.   The state will place liens on it each year for the amount paid on Mom's behalf and collect when it sells.  I have no problem with this arrangement; it means we will probably get nothing from her estate but that's okay.  She should pay her way and this way she will.  This gives us a means to ensure my brother has a home andshe feels good that "home" is there just in case she may return and the state gets it's money. 

The "Medicaide Lady" also asked for a print out of her pharmacy expenses for the past quarter, October 1 through December 31; a copy of her Medicare Card and copy of her last pension check stub.   This seems like a pain because I provided her with a list of these expenses and an average of her prescription costs based on what the pharmacy has been charging to my credit card. But, she needs evidence and she's in charge so we comply.  I understand why and it's really in Mom's best interest, she wants to ensure there are no extra prescription fees, no extra premiums for Medicare Part D and the like.  So - I have a couple of things with me and my brother will gather some of the documentation and we'll send it in.   The next hurdle will be a visit from a nurse to gauge Mom's need for assisted living and nursing care.  

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