Re: I Finished the Iowa's Estate Recovery Program...

[Guest guest]

Just wanted to pass on a hurdle I have crossed. I finally, and I say

FINALLY, finished filling out, photocopying, printing...blah blah blah,

all the work involved with the Iowa's Estate Recovery Program paperwork.

YIPPEE!! I sent it off from our main post office knowing it needs to

reach their office before the 16th. What a weight has been lifted for

having this completed and mailed. Keep in mind to any and all who are

on Medicaid (Title XIX) or possibly plan to apply. In the State of Iowa

Medicaid is essentially a loan. Once a person, who has received medical

assistance, from Medicaid (Title XIX) or Elder Care Waivers, has died,

the money needs to be paid back from any assets at the time of death.

So, I spent the last few weeks, off and on, proving the reason I applied

for medical assistance for my dad is his assets were depleted!

Sandie

in Des Moines, IA - whew, glad thats over!

[Guest guest]

Sandie,

Way to go! Now your family needs to take you out for a celebratory

dinner (I always opt for large steak and large beer). I remember

several years ago my mom had to do all the funeral, estate, and tax

arrangements for her aunt who had no other living relatives. I was

so proud of her, and I'm sure your family is proud of you for all the

work you've done for your father.

----- in Madison, WI

> Just wanted to pass on a hurdle I have crossed. I finally, and I say

> FINALLY, finished filling out, photocopying, printing...blah blah

blah,

> all the work involved with the Iowa's Estate Recovery Program

paperwork.

> YIPPEE!! I sent it off from our main post office knowing it needs

to

> reach their office before the 16th. What a weight has been lifted

for

> having this completed and mailed. Keep in mind to any and all who

are

> on Medicaid (Title XIX) or possibly plan to apply. In the State of

Iowa

> Medicaid is essentially a loan. Once a person, who has received

medical

> assistance, from Medicaid (Title XIX) or Elder Care Waivers, has

died,

> the money needs to be paid back from any assets at the time of

death.

> So, I spent the last few weeks, off and on, proving the reason I

applied

> for medical assistance for my dad is his assets were depleted!

> Sandie

> in Des Moines, IA - whew, glad thats over!

[Guest guest]

Your post meant the world to me. If you only knew. I think you came

into the group after my dad had passed away...but you were right on line

with intuition. I had 'done it all' for my dad. I have only one

sibling, a brother 2 yrs older than I, and he just couldn't help. Many

times he said he was too busy, when in reality he was just not at the

same place, mentally and emotionally, as I to accept LBD. So, for the

past 6-8 yrs I had taken care of my dad with very little help. My

brother was there when I needed him most, taking dad to 2 very important

Dr. appts. in Iowa City, most (but not all) hospital admits, finding a

nursing home. But on a day to day basis it was me. My dad had 2

brothers (my uncles) they didn't help. My husband helped with watching

the kids when I got an emergency call to go to the nh or ride in an

ambulance to take dad to the hospital. I did all the medical and

financial preparation for my dads life before and after he died. And my

brother was gracious enought not to fight me on any and all decisions I

made. Even the last week of dad's life, when the psychologist in the

hospital called a meeting...when asked what life sustaining supports we

wanted, my brother would look at me and let me make the decision. He

trusted, since I was there every day that I knew what our dad wanted.

One of the toughest decisions was when asked if we wanted I.V. fluids,

and I said no. I knew dad had made up his mind, and if he wanted to

drink he would. The memory of that meeting plays back from time to

time.

So, my theory is " If I can do it, anyone can " . I just kind of took over

when my dad couldn't. For some reason, I was chosen so to speak.

So many times I told my dad we were in this together 'til the end', and

I was determined not to let him down. I didn't realize there would be

significant paperwork after his death for the debt incurred, but knowing

I have finished it is the most wonderful feeling of accomplishment.

I was the only visitor my dad had on a regular basis. My brother would

go once every few months, one uncle would do the same and my other uncle

went once a year or so. So, as you can see, I don't want others to face

this alone. I want to be there to help along the way offering my

experience and what I learned.

Thank you for responding to my " accomplishment " post. As I said, your

reply truly meant the world to me!

Keeping you and everyone in this group in my prayers.

Sandie

Des Moines, IA