Half cousin in nursing facility. She doesn't like the food and wants me to grocery shop for her. Popcorn, frozen pizza, canned spaghetti, etc. (I am her POA because her attorney retired and no one else was listed. Hospital insisted she have a POA.)
She was on Medicaid but now her house sold and settled so she is private pay til that runs out. I have no time to shop and deliver food to her! Are these groceries ok under "spend down"? They are for her to eat but there are meals at the nursing home! I looked into supermarket delivery services and considering using one, I could place order online and reimburse myself and have good records.
I am burnt out, I barely know her, the trash bags of papers to reconstruct finances for Medicaid, then ordeal of a falling down filthy house sale stuff. I am worn out.
Medicaid may not except you being reimbursed. Me, I would tell her no. Set boundries.
We auctioned her house finally because no realtor would list it. Left most of the contents in it. Had to wear respirator because of mold and mice. Immediately set up her prepaid funeral fund according to PA rules. I estimate she has about 16 months private pay before she is out of house money. She was on Medicaid January to June. I reconstructed the three years of records to complete the application.
I am keeping careful records to account for every penny. Had to purchase all new clothing because everything in house was filthy. Social worker suggests purchasing clothing ahead while she has funds, shoes , socks ,slippers so she has an adequate amount before she goes back on Medicaid with a $45 per month personal allowance. All this food seems like a waste of money but it's not mine.
Sorry to ramble, I am getting over a concussion from a fall...and this is all getting to me. Thank you all again for your wonderful input.
Even if the facility says yes, don't get into the habit as before you know it, you will be spending your own money for items that cousin wants, after the spend down is over. And I doubt that Medicaid will pay for on-line grocery delivery fees which can run up to $10 per delivery, plus some on-line groceries have a minimum order of $100 before taxes.
Just say "no". Plus, cousin may be on special diet of low carbs, low sugar intake so that is why she doesn't like the food. Maybe even intolerance to dairy. You need to be careful. I wouldn't chance it.
You do not have a lot of details in your profile. What are the health issues that have put your cousin in a nursing home?
And no, you do not have to arrange for groceries to be delivered to her, nor do you have to shop for her.