Questions 21-534 and many others

[Sukiesgma]

Thank you for the wealth of information this website offers and thank you all for your service.  I've learned a lot, but I still have some follow up questions. I want to make sure that the application is submitted correctly and with enough documentation to make the decision the first time.

I am applying for A & A for my mom who is currently in assisted living. She is a surviving spouse, of my dad who was a Korean War veteran. Assisted living is a temporary situation 60-90 days due to a fall where she broke her knee. We moved her to an independent living facility in 10/2011, they provide some meals, transportation to appts, but that is about it. Once she moves back home, she will need assistance with her daily living, such as cooking, transportation, bathing and help with dressing. Before the fall, she needed assistance with the same daily living, except now, more time will be required by our family to meet these needs.

Can someone help with the following questions:
1. Can I submit the 21-534 Online? I found VONAPP, but I don't see the 21-534

2. We are claiming expenses for her Medicare part B, Humana premium, prescriptions and durable equipment, which only total about $300.00. I understand that she can also claim the cost for help at home. My issue is that prior to being granted an A & A, she can't afford to pay anyone, and our family has never considered charging my mom for the assistance we provide. There will be myself and 2 other siblings who will be providing the care. if we start charging, what amount do we charge? How do we prove the expense?  Do we simply write a statement or submit an invoice?

3.What about past medical bills? She is currently paying $150.00 per month as that is all she can afford after her rent, life insurance and other medical expenses. Do we submit what is owed and then annualize it or just put on the application that she is paying the $150/mo?

4. Since she is in an assisted living facility, we have applied for Medicaid. We found out that she will be eligible, with a spend-down. Now how do I claim medical expenses?

I'm sorry if these questions have already been asked and answered. I started this process back in January and I'm afraid to submit with all of the changes that have taken place with the fall and future needs.

Thank  you,

Terri

5. Do I submit the original documents when mailing the application or should I send copies?

Thank you

[vetadmin]

Your biggest issue here, is that she will not have enough to claim in medical expenses.  It is hard when you need the care, but can't afford it without this pension, but she has to be paying someone for care.

Your Mom would need to write a check to you or other family member to have proof of payment and expense.  You should call around in your area to home health agencies to see what the costs would be for someone to come in and provide the same type of care and assistanct that you will be .  That would be a fair rate to go by.

Don't file VONAPP, mail it in to the correct pension center that handles her state.

No, on claiming the $150.00 a month.

If you are filing for Medicaid, keep in mind that the most she will be able to receive from A&A is $90.00 a month, which cannot be spent on medical expenses.