I received a bill from a collection agency stating that there is an unpaid amount of money owed to the nursing home for my deceased mother's care. The amount seems excessive and they are threatening me for the balance. She had health insurance, Social Security, a pension and Medicare. She was there from 9/6/11 until 10/20/12 and they took at least six months in SS, I paid two monthly bills and took one or two pension payments. I don't know where to begin to find out how much Medicaid and Medicaid paid toward her expenses and the collection bill is $30,000 as if nothing was paid during her time there. I received a very simple breakdown of the bill from the nursing home but it does not tell me much. How can I find out? Thanks for any help.
If your mother was impoverished enough to have been on Medicaid, the full amount should have been paid. How liable you are for her bills will depend on how bank accounts and assets were set up. If all financial sources were separate, you shouldn't be liable. If you blended finances, unfortunately, you may be. I'd check with a local elder law attorney.
Good luck,
Carol