Q: I have POA for my Aunt. She has been in a nursing home for short term care and now has transitioned into long term care
at the nursing home. She is still on private pay, but is running out of money quickly. With her permission, am I am to sell her car? If so, what do I need to know to benefit her the most? We live in Maryland.
A: I presume that your aunt is single or if married her spouse is also in a skilled nursing facility so that there is a need to spend down her assets below $2,500 in order for her to qualify for medical assistance. If she is married and has a spouse is still living in the community, then certain assets such as a vehicle and family home are not assets which have to be spent down. Even if your aunt is single or married with a spouse in skilled nursing facility, there are preferable methods in which to spend down her assets. You should consult with a local elder law attorney who has dealt with filing for medicaid as well as spending down assets.
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