Legal Question in Health Care Law in Arkansas

Re: nursing home requirements retaining money & property

When your mother goes into the Nursing Home, she (or her family) will be responsible for the entire amount of the bill. That will generally run in the $3,000 to $4,000/month range.

I believe your question is referring to Medicaid and when your mother will then be approved for Medicaid. The state guidelines say generally that she can have less than $2,000 in money, her home and a car, plus some other basic possessions. She also can not have more than approx. $1,700 in montly income. The medicaid worker will essentially tell you that you have to spend all of that on the nursing home (typically called "spend down")until she has reached those levels. That is not necessarily true. You can spend any excess on numerous items and services that go to her benefit (and possibly for your benefit)and help her to qualify for medicaid sooner without "spending down" into poverty.

This is a very basic explanation of a very complex issue. Please except it for that and nothing more. My office has a free report on this very issue and would be more than happy to send it out to you if you will contact me.