Now that I've got all of the paperwork together and am set to meet with the nursing home tomorrow I am informed by the forums that once again "you're doing it wrong."
So, walk me through it. What's the process when apply through DFS and what are the advantages to doing so?
I had no problem in making the NH payee of Moms SS and pension. Don't understand how the pension screwed up, I had to send a death certificate to prove Moms passing. I liked that I didn't have to worry about that. And in the end, they had to deal with SS if SS withdrew money too soon. It was the financial offices fault for not contacting the POA if the pension stopped. Medicaid would have adjusted their amount if for some reason the pension stopped legitimately. Someone didn't do their job and auditors should have picked it up.
One thing I do caution you about however you decide to apply, is to NOT make the NH the payee to any of Moms SS or pension checks. I have all moms income direct deposited into her checking account, get a monthly bill from the NH for her share of cost, and write a check. That way I know exactly everything is working correctly and it only take me a minute. My GF had her Moms income go directly to the NH, and was in ignorant bliss, until one day the NH told her she owed $60,000. Evidently her pension administration thought she had passed away and stopped paying the NH for months. It took a Long Time and tons of work by GF to get this corrected. If you’re in charge of the money, you can avoid surprises.
Medicaid is less apt to tell you something like "oh, it'll be fine, just sign here as being financially responsible".
An eldercare lawyer is looking out for YOUR interests.
Thanks.