This is info for US people regarding Medicaid

[Dadshelper]

Today I got a very nice, least the start, letter from our state Medicaid office offering condolences on dad's passing. Then it proceeded to info me I was receiving the letter because I handled dad's finances. Basically they want a list of any remaining assets so they may try to claim them, recouping some of the expenses for the 85 days dad actually used medicaid. I have never heard of this, quite an awakening considering we almost wiped out everything financially of dad's which prompted the enrollment to Medicaid.

[enjoysalud]

I'm sorry for the aggravation and worry/fear it may cause you. I hope that is all that it will cost you. As you go thro the process I hope you will keep us informed.

I remember when you made the decision to move your dad from your home. For what its' worth I think you made the correct choice for him and for your family.

Margarita, Los Angeles, California, USA

[kenh1]

It is the same in the U.K. I went with my wife to register her mothers death and we were given a form to take to the benefits office so they could check she hadn't been claiming too much. About a month later we got a letter to say she was in the clear. Seems like we are all guilty until proven innocent despite what we were taught in school.

[Hidden]

You may want to talk to a lawyer about this. Not sure how much you are liable for in the costs. We have a terrible healthcare system in the USA.

[Bargiepat in reply to Hidden]

I think some lawyers are even more 'blood-sucking'............ sadly.

[enjoysalud in reply to Bargiepat]

My daughter is a trust and estate attorney. My son was also an attorney, although he found he LOVED the study of law, just not the practice.

Like in all things, there are those which fulfill our expectation and those who disappoint us.

[Bargiepat in reply to enjoysalud]

I have edited my post........

[enjoysalud in reply to Bargiepat]

Bargiepat, no need to edit your post. What I think is so valuable about this site is that we trust each other to understand each other's truths/perceptions.....we are all related by PSP, but we know so little about each other. I was not offended, but it was an opportunity to tell you about my children, and perhaps give you the opportunity to think of lawyers as someone's child.

My son who suffered the PSP, had an undergraduate degree from UCLA in Music. The love of his life was his bass. He also was a CPA, certified accountant having passed the national test given in the USA. He also attended UC Berkeley, Boalt Hall law School. He really enjoyed his law studies, but became disillusioned with the practice of law and withdrew from the profession. He thought accounting was boring so did not want to continue that either. He ended getting a math credential so that he could teach math in the public secondary schools and still play his bass in the evening and weekends.

Blessings and good wishes, Margarita, Los Angeles, CAlif, USA

[DeDeDickson in reply to enjoysalud]

How fascinating to read more about your son ... to put your PSP sufferer in the light of life’s accomplishments. Perhaps we should all do that for our loved ones ... I may start a post ... 🤔

xoDorie

[enjoysalud in reply to DeDeDickson]

A post would be wonderful!

[enjoysalud in reply to Hidden]

Regarding the health care system in the USA.....I agree. I hope you are registered to vote because one vote at a time can change things.

[Dadshelper in reply to Hidden]

I personally am not liable for any of his costs. They are just looking for anything he may have left like bank accts, life insurance, etc etc.

[GmaDeb]

Our US healthcare system scares me in how miserable it is compared to other countries. It took me 5 years to get disability after I finally got Medicaid. Once the disability insurance started, they took away my Medicaid (but my husband still receives his) and put me on Medicare which covers much less than I had before. Now, unless we sign up for a pricey Medicare Advantage plan, it doesn’t cover any dental, eye doctor, out-of-state hospital (like Mayo Clinic-Rochester, Minn. which is 3 hours away), very limited home health care or nursing home care. With no neurologist here any more, we travel 8 hours one way to the university hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. 16 hours driving for a 1-hour appointment! We can seldom afford a motel room for overnight.

We’re waiting for an appointment with a lawyer to help us make some plans so that my husband isn’t left with nothing when i’m gone. At least I have a Palliative healthcare team who will refer us to hospice care when it’s needed.

[enjoysalud in reply to GmaDeb]

The only way to change our health care system is to write write write write to our Congressmen and Senators and to NEVER miss the opportunity to vote. The changes we need may not come in our lifetime, but will still move us down the road.

Mid-term elections are coming up. My son voted until he died. He requested a mail ballot when he could no longer get to the polls, no longer stand, or see very well (I read it to him). I did it along with him (thinking I would miss the in person experience). I found it very comfortable. My mail ballot is sitting on my kitchen table....my practice one filled out.

Our vote is very precious.

[JantheNana in reply to enjoysalud]

I also find it important to vote,never miss a chance! Our early voting period for the upcoming elections started this week and I am going to vote today. My youngest granddaughter turned 18 last month so I am taking her with me to vote for the first time!

[enjoysalud in reply to JantheNana]

How exciting to share the "first voting" experience of your granddaughter. I am sure she will never forget it.

I finished my mail ballot and it will be mailed today on the way to meet a close friend of mine from the 2nd grade (Isn't that a miracle to have stayed friends all these years?) .

Blessings.............

[Hidden in reply to JantheNana]

Good morning Jan

I just read this... how exciting. May be you have started a new tradition. My grandchildren are in different areas so l never gave it a thought...l think l am a wee bit envious.

Sending patriotic hugs... Granni B

[JantheNana in reply to Hidden]

She is the youngest of 6 grandchildren,wish I had done it with all!

[Hidden in reply to JantheNana]

One out of six is pretty good... We can't think of anything!

I will be passing on your experience to my friend... maybe she can vote with her grandchildren in a few year.

[Marie_14 in reply to enjoysalud]

How very right you are! So many never vote or only vote when they have no idea about how that vote will impact people. You are a wise lady.

Marie x

[enjoysalud in reply to Marie_14]

Thank you for applauding my habit of voting. I cherish it and the shared memories with my son when it was time to vote. First, when we did not realize he had PSP, but he no longer drove, I would drive him. Then his incapacity required at home mail ballot.

[NHGrace]

I’m so sorry to hear this! As if the cruelty of PSP were not enough, we have the two extremes of an inadequate, spend down “support” system or a unjust, profit-based one rather than infrastructure to fairly and kindly support those of us willing to do the hard and emotional work of helping. Hang in there and try not to get derailed by this!

[Marie_14 in reply to NHGrace]

NHGrace

I have no idea how you all manage! I currently have a friend who is ill in the US and she has paid so much money for healthcare it has shocked me! We know it is bad but we don't realise how bad? It's not all roses here either...not enough money being spent. We are told Austerity is coming to an end. Tell that to just about anyone and they will laugh!

Marie x

[Dadshelper]

I am regretting starting this post. All I was trying to point out is something I found out about US Medicaid having a "recovery of expenses" policy, something I didn't know. I never intended this to become a thread on voting, laws, or anything political.

Ron

[Hidden in reply to Dadshelper]

Don’t regret it people get to talk about things that matter.

[Marie_14 in reply to Hidden]

Jeff you are right! I have to say health is probably the most important thing for all of us? Hope you are coping well? Oh for some more money into our adult social care too? We can but nag and lobby?

Marie x x

[Marie_14 in reply to Dadshelper]

Ron

That post might well help someone else? That is what we try to do? We don't always succeed but I think the information on here is invaluable. So don't fret!

Marie x

[mjtogether in reply to Dadshelper]

Ron, thanks for the post. It is very helpful and important. Also, every state is different in "Medicaid recoup" laws. Everyone here, especially, in the US needs to be informed and up to date regarding this if Medicaid has been previously granted.

Thanks again.

[enjoysalud in reply to Dadshelper]

Hi, I don't consider "voting" political. I consider it a privileged...... doing what we can by voting to influence (where we can) what is important to us. Many countries do NOT have that right/privilege.

I think that was great that you shared what has happened after your dad's death. Many of us just assume that monetary help for health is the same all over the world. It's not. I wonder how many people in our country, USA, understand the difference between medicare (which I am now old enough to receive) and medicaid (an what it requires to qualify).

So often I have seen shares on this site where there is an assumption that long term care is available for free or at a nominal rate.

I thank you!!!

[Hidden in reply to Dadshelper]

Sorry Ron... l read this after posting this morning. But l think your post was taken in the spirit it was given... as a warning not to be shocked if you get a form letter from Medicaid after your loved one has passed. You provided a valued service of sharing information.

Sending hug of hope for 2019... Granni B

[NHGrace]

And I agree; I’ve never missed an opportunity to vote - but it has never been more vital to vote!!

[tlovins]

This would be why I am dreading the approaching time I am going to have to apply for my dad. It is so sad and infuriating how our health care system operates in the U.S. So sorry you are having to go through this.

[Dadshelper]

I reached out to the Elder Care law firm that helped with Dad's PoA and Healthcare paperwork about the Medicaid Recovery letter. The nice lady took some info and called me back in a few hours with instructions to disregard the letter and shred it, it's from a 3rd party not actually Medicaid. Pardon my callousness but it's like vultures just waiting....

Ron

[tlovins in reply to Dadshelper]

Thanks for this update! So sorry you had to experience this needless extra stress in such an already trying time. “Vultures”, so infuriating.

[Hidden]

Good Morning Ron! Before the new year starts... l wanted to ask if things have been settled with Medicaid office.

I am still trying to deal with the 1.5 mile law in llinois. . . We live in the county not the city. We have 7.9 acres & wanted to sell off 2.5 acres & use the money to make our home handicapped accessible. We have had two meetings with the city. First meeting we were told our 2.5 acres needed sidewalks & curbs before we could sell... (we said we live in the country & there are no curbs & sidewalks). As we left l was muttering sidewalks & curbs, oh my!

Second meeting my engineer son came along. We were told we would also need to hire an engineer to fill out forms before we could proceed & they had a problem with our road. We left & met my son for coffee ... he looked over the stack of papers & said, "Forget it mom, you are not going to win this one."

Next meeting the mayor will be joining us & hopefully our county board member. l have a relative who is a lawyer, she loves me & has taken an interest (she will attend if she isn't in court). My son will not join us but he said, "Call me when you start banging your head against their brick wall." l said, "Ok!"

We don't have a date yet & l realize my son might be right & l will lose... but l will do the dance & who knows were that will lead...

I am too old, sick & tired to be dealing with this stupidity and l have no patience left... Sad thing is l am smart enough to know 'Just because it is a law... it does't mean its right!' This law needs to be changed...

Sending hugs... Granni B

[Dadshelper in reply to Hidden]

So far it's been quiet on the paperwork front. I never responded to the medicaid form per lawyer's advice and they've never sent a follow-up letter.

Ron

[Hidden in reply to Dadshelper]

Wonderful...