Elder Law Answers
If I Become My Mom's Guardian and Let Her Remain at Home, Am I Responsible for Her Actions?
I am considering guardianship for my 87-year-old mom, who has dementia. She lives alone but has been advised by her doctor...
Read moreWill Medicaid Look at Every Check I Write for My Mother?
- August 27th, 2013
Q
Mom has Alzheimer's Disease, and I am on her checking account. Mom is living with family, but she will eventually go to a nursing home. I am paying her bills from her checking account. My question regarding the checking account: What does Medicaid look for? Do they check every written check for past five years? What makes them stop and question something? Is it the amount?
A
If you spend all the money for your mother and use checks rather than cash, you should have no problem. Every state, and to some extent every Medicaid office, is different. I would just keep all of your receipts and clear notes in your checkbook register just in case any questions are asked. But in general if you can track where the money went and that it was spent for your mother, you should be fine.