Elder Law Answers
Put Caregiving Arrangements in Writing, Lawyers Advise
When one family member becomes a caregiver for another, it''s important to put in writing the terms of the arrangeme....
Read moreAlways Put Caregiver Contracts in Writing
- November 22nd, 2023
When hiring a caregiver, it is important to put the contract in writing. Courts can be especially strict about requiring contracts when caregivers are relatives, but a formal agreement is still necessary even if the caregiver is not a relative. A Michigan court ruling illustrates how failing to document an agreement with a non-relative caregiver can affect Medicaid benefits.
The Importance of Avoiding the Penalty Period
Jason Jensen hired a caregiver for his grandmother, Betty Jensen, who suffered from dementia. Mr. Jensen and the caregiver had an informal agreement, and no contract was signed, but Mr. Jensen paid the caregiver a total of $19,000 from Ms. Jensen's assets over the course of the months she worked for Ms. Jensen.
When Ms. Jensen's condition worsened, she entered a nursing home and applied for Medicaid. Because there was no written contract in place, the state considered the payments to the caregiver to be asset transfers that were made for less than fair market value. Due to the transfers, the state established a penalty period before Ms. Jensen could qualify for Medicaid. Ms. Jensen died before the penalty period ended.
Mr. Jensen appealed the state's decision to court, and the trial court decided in his favor, ruling that the state Medicaid regulation requiring that a caregiver contract is in writing applied only to relative caregivers. The state appealed this ruling.
The Importance of Written Contracts
The Michigan Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's decision, stating that it was bound by the regulations, which require that caregiver contracts be in writing, even for a non-relative. Because there was no written contract, the payments to the caregiver were unlawful.
If you hire a caregiver, even for a few hours a week, it is important to draw up a formal agreement, especially if you think you will ever apply for Medicaid long-term care benefits. To get help drafting an agreement, contact an elder law attorney in your area.
Created date: 03/06/2015