Why did the nursing home keep my mother’s death benefit ? We paid for the funeral

A) There are several reasons why a nursing home might keep a resident’s death benefit. Here are a few possibilities:

• Outstanding debt: If your mother had any outstanding debt to the nursing home, such as unpaid bills for care or services, the death benefit may be used to cover those costs.
• Medicaid lien: If your mother received Medicaid benefits to help pay for her care, the state Medicaid program may have a lien on her assets, including her death benefit. This lien gives the state the right to recover some or all of the Medicaid payments it made on your mother’s behalf.
• Estate taxes: If your mother’s estate is subject to estate taxes, the death benefit may be included in her taxable estate. In this case, the nursing home may be entitled to receive a portion of the death benefit to cover any outstanding debts or Medicaid liens.

It is important to note that these are just a few possibilities, and the specific reasons why the nursing home is keeping your mother’s death benefit will depend on the individual circumstances of your case. If you are concerned about the nursing home’s actions, you should consult with an attorney to discuss your options.