My mother is currently in an SNF in Florida and needs to apply for long-term Medicaid. She was sent there after a short hospital stay because she could not stand up to get herself in a wheelchair, and after 3 weeks in rehab, she still cannot stand up without multiple people helping. She was in the hospital for a severe UTI and taking too much of her meds because she forgets that she has already taken them. My Dad is 83 and can no longer help with her care. My sister and I live in SC and would like to move her here to be closer to family. The SNF in Florida told us that it would be easier to move my Mom to another state while she is still within the Medicare-paid rehab window and then apply for SC Long-Term Medicaid once she is accepted. Has anyone had experience getting an SC SNF to accept a patient from another state while under Medicare-paid Rehab? We are calling SNF's in our area of SC and waiting on return calls. What are our chances of making this workout?
Thanks in advance-
I agree that it may be better transferring Mom from one Rehab to another if the one she is presently in thinks she will need more therapy. 3 weeks, though, Medicare has already paid their first 20 days at 100%. 21 to 100 is now 50% and Mom pays the other 50% unless she has a good supplimental. Medicare Advantage plans and supplimentals also don't go over State lines. States determine what insurances can write policies in their State. Traditional Medicare does go over State lines. If you manage to get Mom into another Rehab, you will not start over as day one. Ex: If Mom is in Fla rehab 20 days and transfers to one in SC she starts at 21 days at 50%.
If you are moving Mom to SC, I would not apply for Medicaid until then. You may need to care for her until she is excepted. A NH may not allow her to be Medicaid pending. This may happen when a person is in rehab and its found they need more care in NH and the NH is in the same building as rehab so easy transfer or at least in the same area. Your also going to need her SS sent to a new acct. If she is on Medicaid, she will be using her SS and any pension for her care. I would contact your Social Services and set up an appt with a Medicaid caseworker.
And, how does Dad feel about this. Mom could be placed in a nice LTC in Fla and he could visit her. Since a spouse is involved, you will need to see an Elder lawyer to have assets split. Dad becomes a Community Spouse, remains in home, can have a car and gets enough of their monthy income to live on.
Lots a hurdles to jump before you can make a decision. And, you should have POA for financial and Medical.
Yes, I am aware that Medicaid does not travel over state lines. That is why we are trying to get her moved while she is still covered by Medicare for rehab. If we can find an SNF to take her in SC, we will then change her residence and apply for Long-term Medicaid there. I have confirmed that this can be done if we can find a SNF to accept her in SC.
She had United Health Care as her primary when she was sent to rehab from her hospital stay, but they did not agree that she needed further rehab (after 2.5 weeks) and were going to send her home. My Dad went to pick her up from the SNF, but she could not transfer herself from the wheelchair to the car. The SNF told him to take her back in, and they switched her insurance to Medicare as the primary last Friday.
My Dad is on board for her to come to SC. He says he will travel here to see her, and when he needs help, we will move him here. He is still independent; he simply can't physically take care of my Mom anymore, which she needs. She cannot get in and out of a car or transfer herself from a chair or bed to a wheelchair; therefore, she cannot get to the bathroom. She is somewhat overweight, and it takes two physical therapists to help her stand.
I have the Health Surrogate POA, but I am talking things over with both of my parents before making final decisions. I just wanted to know if anyone had experience trying to move a patient from state to state during the Medicare Rehab period after a hospital stay. I think we are doing all we can, but I would like some reassurance or advice before we run out of rehab time.
Let alone the difficulty of this move, there are questions about who is the POA, who is in charge, financially and in every other way.
And then there is DAD. What about Dad? He isn't moving? Who will care for him.
To me it seems these social workers are hoping to avoid placement applications and simply have mom off their hands.
I truly would not know where to begin.
I hope others do.
Actually, the SNF where she is now would LOVE for her to go long-term there. It is us, her daughters who want her moved to SC.
I have the Health Surrogate POA, but I am talking things over with both of my parents before making final decisions. I just wanted to know if anyone had experience trying to move a patient from state to state during the Medicare Rehab period after a hospital stay. I think we are doing all we can, but I would like some reassurance or advice before we run out of rehab time.
Your question is best posed to a social worker in both your Mom's existing county and future county. Medicaid rules can vary by state and county.
We do not intend to apply for Long-term Medicaid until she is in an SNF in SC. We are trying to relocate her while she is still covered by the Medicare rehab period.