Responsibility for payment to the nursing home
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This article originally appeared in the Plattsburgh Press-Republican’s Senior Sentinel …
When it comes time to admitting a loved one to a nursing home, the entire process can be very overwhelming. As Ombudsmen, we are there to help you navigate this journey, and answer any questions you may have regarding this process. Know that we are the advocate for your loved one while in the facility. We can guide you and the resident with the ins and outs and who to go to within the facility when you have questions and or concerns.
Day 1 you are signing a ton of paperwork. Be sure to take your time and read all the information provided and ask questions if you are unsure of what you are signing.
So, for this month, we want you to understand that as a third party/aka loved one, you would not sign paperwork saying you will be financially responsible for the stay. Some nursing homes ask or require a person helping the resident during the admission process to sign the admission contract as a “Responsible Party” or “Representative.” As this third party, you would not sign this agreement. The Nursing Home Reform Act prohibits nursing homes that participate in Medicaid and or Medicare, from asking you to sign such a form. This does not mean that if you are the Power of Attorney for your loved one, that you don’t have to pay the bill. It means you do not need to use your personal funds to do so. You are responsible for paying the bill from the resident’s personal funds. Once their funds are gone, you would then begin the process for filling out a Medicaid application.
If you are being asked to sign such a document in order to admit the resident, please call the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. When in doubt ask questions. Ombudsmen are here to help.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program for Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties, call 518-562-1732. Or email Amy Gehrig at: amy@ncci-online.com
