I inherited a small amount of money. Now what?

[konkrypton]

My dad passed 4/5 and left me about $11,000. I called my case manager and she said it doesn’t affect my case with her, but that Medicaid had a $1000 cap on what I could have. I’m wanting to buy a small house, but haven’t reported the money to Medicaid yet. I’ve been getting “extra help” to cover my meds, and I’m afraid that Medicaid will expect me to spend all of this money on medication. I know if I buy a home that they won’t take my residence, but how do I get this done (its’ a slow process) without getting in trouble? Do I quit my meds? Has anyone dealt with this? I don’t know where else to ask.

[Expat1]

Sorry for  your loss.

 Where do you live?

In California I would suggest that you go to an Aids Service Organization (Ryan White Program) and talk to a case manager. Be completely honest.  Find out if you can use the money to for a down payment, or buy an RV, or van or whatever. 

You can get help on the ARV meds from ADAP if you lose the medicaid.  Again the caseworker has dealt with these kinds of problems and can give you good advice and sign you up for any programs that can assist.

Here in Palm Springs, Desert Aids Project has case workers, a clinic. and could sort this.

One of the other users here works for an ASO in the southeast.   He can also point you in the right direction.

What State are you in?   People in your state can help you.

[Expat1]

If you spend down the money, you probably wont lose medicaid.   This might be the time to get those dental implants, a used car etc.  Again talk to a case manager at an Aids Service Organization.

[konkrypton]

I’m in Missouri. I talked to my case manager and she wasn’t a lot of help. All she indicated is that it doesn’t affect my status with her but that I might lose Medicaid coverage. I have enough debt to offset this money, I still have a negative net worth. But the debt is manageable without throwing a chunk of money at it that might be better used as a down payment on a house.

Trying to get a loan with just SSDI as income is impossible. But that’s a separate issue.

Sorry for  your loss.

 Where do you live?

(Snip)

One of the other users here works for an ASO in the southeast.   He can also point you in the right direction.

What State are you in?   People in your state can help you.

[konkrypton]

I’m considering that. If I quit holding onto the money for a down payment and just rent a new place, I can pay off my credit card and pay most of my car loan off. Plus get a new iMac. I’m thinking…

If you spend down the money, you probably wont lose medicaid.   This might be the time to get those dental implants, a used car etc.  Again talk to a case manager at an Aids Service Organization.

[Expat1]

Paying off  your bills is a good idea always.  Take care.