Legal Question in Elder Law in Oregon

94 Year Old Grandmother in Care Facility

My parents have Power of Attorney for my grandmother. Grandma has exhausted all of her savings and is living on a limited income. She has recently been admitted to the hospital for some internal bleeding. She has been determined eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. My parents are paying for any amounts over what these two entities do not pay. I say that they should not have to do this. My mother has since gone back to work to help pay the hospital bills (my mom is 67). DHS is bullying her into believing that she has a financial responsibility for any amounts over what medicare and medicaid will pay. Also, they are going through the annual review of medicaid and the DHS person has been repeatedly rude and unhelpful to my mother. Should my parents seek legal council with regard to these matters. I think they are being railroaded.


Asked on 4/20/07, 1:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Susan Burns Law Office of Susan Ford Burns

Re: 94 Year Old Grandmother in Care Facility

Yes,your parents should seek legal counsel.

If Grandmother is covered by Medicaid, there should not be any excess hospital bills, as the hospital is bound to accept the Medicaid reimbursement as payment in full.

However, there are many things that Medicaid does not pay for and that some folks would not consider "extras" like haircuts or an occasional food treat.

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Answered on 4/20/07, 1:35 pm


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