Here we are in April 2023 and we are still working at getting a bill in Congress to End Medicaid Estate Recovery. See my prior posts for more background. Here are the action points for any concerned family member who wants to save the family home.
Did you know about Medicaid’s Deal with the Devil? That is when they say “With Medicaid Waiver we can help you stay in YOUR home so you won’t have to go to a nursing home! But! We get your house when you die!”
- If you, your spouse or your parents are over age 55 and will need Medicaid nursing home or Medicaid waiver services: See an Elder Law Attorney now and save the family home from Medicaid! Call us (248) 356-3500 for a referral if you need one.
- Contact your Representative in Congress (wherever you are anywhere in the country) and tell them to support the “Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act” and END Medicaid Estate Recovery.
- In Michigan contact your Michigan Senator and Representative and tell them to increase the Medicaid asset limit from $2,000 to $10,000. It makes no sense for somebody to try and stay in their home and only have $2,000 in the bank. There is no money for emergencies! What if the roof leaks? Or, the water heater blows. Or, the car needs major repairs. The $2,000 limit is a cruel mockery of anybody trying to stay at home with Medicaid Waiver.
- In Michigan contact your Michigan Senator and Representative and tell them to end Medicaid Estate Recovery from the SPOUSE’s estate. That’s right. If Mr. Smith gets Medicaid and then dies, Medicaid will try to get the money from Mrs. Smith’s estate after she passes away. That conflicts with Michigan law. A spouse is Not responsible for a husband or wife’s medical bills. The Michigan legislature needs to stop that right now! And, it can.
So there’s the good news, YOU can make a difference. Go for it!
All the best,
Jim
