The Roanoke Times published an article today (from the Washington Post) titled, "107 Year Old Man Outlives His Savings-Again." The article is about Larry Haubner, a healthy 107 year old living in the Greenfield Assisted Living facility near Washington, DC. Larry's problem is that he has no family and no assets to pay the bills at the assisted living facility. Two years ago supporters raised $56,000 to help pay those bills. That money is now about to run out and another fund raiser is under way. If sufficient funds are not raised, Larry will be moved to a nursing home where his bills will be paid by Medicaid.
Interesting story but here is my problem. Virginia is one of 8 states which does not allow Medicaid to pay for a low-income individual's stay at an assisted living facility. The law basically "forces" low-income individuals to move into a nursing home...whether they need it or not. Nursing homes typically charge $2,000 to $3,000 more per month than assisted living facilities.
My Take: Somebody should wake up our General Assembly members and let them know they are wasting money!
Monday, July 06, 2009
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