SSI is a federally-funded needs-based disability program for adults and children. It provides for a monthly cash benefit for the
recipient's food and shelter.  Read on

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration enacted a new policy, effective February 1, 2011.  If a nursing home resident leaves the facility for a temporary stay in the hospital or
elsewhere for a therapeutic leave that exceeds midnight the day they leave, the resident can request the facility to hold their bed and room for them during their absence.  However, the resident will be responsible for paying the full daily rate.  Medicaid will no longer pay for such "bed holds".  When this happens, the facility should contact the resident (or their POA or Guardian) to determine whether they prefer to have the resident discharged or pay the daily rate during the absence. If you chose not to pay the daily rate, the facility must offer you the next available bed upon your return.  However, the resident may be subject to a new admission assessment and the facility may decline to offer that bed if the admission assessment indicates the resident does not qualify for services. 

Current nursing home residents may have received a notice about this policy change already.  If this policy affects you or your family member, please contact our office to meet with an attorney who can discuss options for dealing with the gap in Medicaid coverage.