Both parents are in a nursing facility. They were placed about two weeks apart, both with dementia. They owned a rental house with land that we know Medicaid will get. Who has to put this property up for sale? Us or Medicare? Will they Contact us to tell us what we should do?
I think you need to talk to an elder lawyer because of your situation.
Your parent's assets have to be looked at and probably split. Then the split gets spent down and about 90 days before the money runs out, you apply for Medicaid. Their Social Security and any pensions they have will be used to offset the cost of their care.
A house is an exempt asset while living but because there will be no money, someone has to pay for upkeep. A second home or land has to be sold as does a car if there are 2. If there is a POA they are responsible to sell the house and get Market value. The proceeds will go for your parents care.
MEDICAID DOES NOT TAKE HOUSES. If the house does not sell by death it then becomes an asset which Medicaid will place a lien against. It will be the Executor's responsibility to sell the house so the lien can be satisfied.
Just giving you the basics. You really need to see an Elder lawyer well versed in Medicaid.
Your question is a bit confusing to me because if parents are already in a NH, someone had to make the arrangements to place them.
Were they at home, were they hospitalized?
Someone took control and got them placed on an emergency basis, likely "Medicaid pending".
Especially because there are two people in the equation, and because Medicaid regs vary widely from state to state, your most prudent move would be to engage a certified Medicaid knowledgeable eldercare attorney. They are listed at Nelf.org.
You might find someone helpful in the business office e at the NH, but I would be cautious about trusting their advice complete, as they are looking out for their bottom line.
Consider the idea that if you sell the rental, the funds will likely preclude Medicaid eligibility, but will allow you to private pay, which might allow you to get them into a better home, if you don't like the one they are in