Does anyone know anything about nursing homes & medicare?

[estclair63]

My husband was released from the hospital into a nursing home for intensive therapy. It is my understanding that after 21 days we become responsible for a daily co-pay and after 90 days for the full amount. When do these facilities look at taking a persons Social Security Disability check for payment? I need to know or at least have a general idea so I can be looking for a job. We were barely making it on his check and if the nursing home takes it, I have to find a way to support my children. I have not worked in almost four years, due to taking care of my disabled husband. ty

[suki]

He is on SSI currently? Is he on Medicaid?

You understand Medicare correctly.

[estclair63]

No he receives disability, Medicare and no medicaid.

[mandyclubbs]

Does he have medicare or medicaid? I think that they are covered under part A for 21 days then it goes to part B. Unless they have another qualifying 3 day hospital stay, then it starts all over again. I would try to do medicaid if it is at all possible since he is in the nursing home for the time being. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[suki]

You will need to apply for Medicaid.
Medicare Part B only covers certain things... it's a bit complicated.

Schedule an appointment to meet with the nursing home's social worker, they are trained to guide you through this process and explain their policies and your state laws in detail.

[suki]

The short answer to your original question is that they will not take his disability check, but you will be expected to pay the difference between the Medicare reimbursement rate at 21 days and the full charge at the nursing home. After day 91, you will be expected to pay the full rate.

If he has Medicaid, they will take the Medicaid check and leave him... I think it's still $40/month for personal expenses.

Again, your best bet is to go ahead and start the Medicaid application process. It can take a while. And to visit with the social worker. If the social worker is aware that you are taking steps, they can intervene on any collections processes and buy you some time to work things out. They can also advise you on specifics for your situation/area.

[estclair63]

I already talked to the social worker, they explained to me about the 21 days and the 90 days...they said that they will apply for medicaid for him after 21 days from within the nursing home. My fear is that if we lose his disability check, our only income, and I have not found a job I will be evicted from the house we rent and the children and I will have nowhere to go. I was trying to figure out a time frame as to when they will take the disability check so I can start planning. Thank you all so much for your advice.

[suki]

I think the best answer you will receive would come from the social worker as it would depend upon that nursing home's policies.

[DJ1972]

My mother in law is in the nursing home, and my father in law is allowed to keep her disability check monthly as he has no income of his own. Medicaid pays for her nursing home stay.