When a private pay resident in a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) runs out of money and can no longer afford to pay for their care, there are several options available to them and the facility.
The first option is for the resident to apply for Medicaid, which is a government-funded program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals. In California, Medicaid is known as Medi-Cal, and it covers the cost of long-term care in RCFEs for eligible individuals. If the resident is eligible for Medi-Cal, the facility can continue to provide care and receive payment from the program.
Another option is for the resident to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. If the resident is eligible for SSI, they may be able to use the funds to pay for their care in the RCFE.
If the resident is not eligible for Medicaid or SSI, they may need to find alternative housing options. The RCFE may work with the resident and their family to find a more affordable living arrangement, such as a subsidized housing program or a lower-cost care facility.
It’s important to note that RCFEs are required to have a written policy in place for dealing with residents who can no longer afford to pay for their care. This policy should outline the steps that the facility will take to assist the resident in finding alternative housing options, as well as any procedures for discharging the resident from the facility.
In some cases, the RCFE may be able to provide a temporary waiver of fees or offer a payment plan to help the resident continue to receive care while they work to secure alternative funding sources. However, it’s important to note that RCFEs are businesses and must be able to cover their costs in order to continue providing care to their residents.
In conclusion, when a private pay resident in an RCFE runs out of money and can no longer afford to pay for their care, there are several options available to them and the facility. These options may include applying for Medicaid or SSI, finding alternative housing options, or working with the facility to develop a payment plan or temporary waiver of fees. It’s important for RCFEs to have a written policy in place for dealing with these situations and to work with residents and their families to find the best possible solution.
