Medicare pays for up to 100 days of subacute rehabilitation care for qualified situations following an inpatient hospitalization of three days or more. There are times when the patient begins their rehabilitation in one facility, but transfer to another facility is preferable.
Transferring a loved one from one rehabilitation facility to another can often feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start. Whether it’s due to a change in treatment needs, a financial decision, or simply the need for a better fit, navigating this transition requires careful planning. At Fink Rosner Ershow-Levenberg Marinaro LLC, we understand how complicated these moves can be, especially when legal rights, insurance, and Medicaid come into play. As an elder care law firm and disability law group, we’re here to help you through every step of the process.
Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help you manage the transfer of a loved one from one rehab facility to another while ensuring their care continues smoothly.
Step 1: Assess the Need for the Transfer
The first thing to do when considering a transfer is to determine why it’s necessary. Is your loved one’s current facility unable to meet their treatment requirements? Are there concerns about location, staffing, or the level of specialized rehabilitative care? Understanding the reasons behind the transfer is key to making sure the new facility meets all of their needs. At this stage, it’s also important to discuss your loved one’s situation with their healthcare provider to ensure the new facility can properly accommodate their medical needs.
This assessment will help guide the entire process and ensure you choose a facility that aligns with your loved one’s care goals. It also helps clarify what specific services the new facility should offer.
Step 2: Understand Your Legal Rights
Once you’ve decided to move forward with the transfer, the next step is reviewing the legal requirements that apply to the insurance (such as Medicare) which is paying for the rehabilitation. Understanding these rules helps you to avoid surprises and plan for what will come next after rehab is finished.
As a full-service elder law firm, we can assist you to understand the applicable regulations and to protect your loved one’s rights are protected during the transfer. Whether you need help reviewing the current facility’s policies or understanding how the law applies to your situation, we’re here to offer professional legal advice.
Step 3: Understanding Insurance and Medicaid
Insurance and Medicaid are often the most complex elements of transferring to a new rehab facility. Before making the move, confirm that the new facility accepts the same insurance or Medicaid plan. If there are any differences in coverage, it could result in unexpected out-of-pocket costs or delays in treatment. Rehabilitation centers typically accept Medicare, but may not participate with other medical insurance plans. Medicaid could be needed if the insurance or Medicare doesn’t cover 100% of the cost.
If your loved one is on Medicaid, ensure that the new facility is an authorized Medicaid provider. As an elder care law firm, we can help you understand Medicaid’s nuances, and can prepare a Medicaid eligibility plan & application, ensuring that there is no disruption in care or funding during the transfer process.
Working with our team helps ensure that all financial and insurance aspects are handled before the transfer, giving you peace of mind.
Step 4: Communicate with Both Facilities
Once the new facility is confirmed, it’s time to communicate with both the current and new facilities. You will need to provide notice to the current (“sending”) facility and ensure that all required medical records, care plans, and relevant information are transferred smoothly to the receiving facility.
Scheduling a meeting with the new facility’s staff is also important to ensure they understand your loved one’s specific problems, proclivities or care needs. This allows for better coordination of services so that your loved one will receive the appropriate care without any gaps.
As an elder care law firm, we can help facilitate these communications and ensure that all documentation is handled appropriately.
Step 5: Handle the Physical Move
The next step is arranging the physical transfer. Depending on your loved one’s medical needs, you may need to organise specialised transport, particularly if they have mobility issues or require medical assistance during the move. Some rehab facilities offer transportation services, but others may require you to arrange this independently. Be aware that Medicare may not pay for ambulance transport for this kind of move.
Step 6: Follow Up and Stay Involved
After the move is complete, it’s essential to stay in touch with the new facility and monitor your loved one’s care. By law, a care plan meeting has to be arranged soon after the move with the new treatment plan put in place (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and swallowing therapy, skilled nursing). Make regular check-ins to ensure they are receiving the appropriate treatment and that their transition is going smoothly. If there are any concerns, whether about care, billing, or other issues, address them promptly.
Let Our Elder Care Law Firm Guide You
At Fink Rosner Ershow-Levenberg Marinaro LLC, we support you through every step of the rehab facility transfer process. As an elder care law firm and disability law group, we ensure your loved one’s rights are protected and their care continues smoothly. From navigating legal documents to insurance and Medicaid requirements, our team is here to reduce stress and prioritise your loved one’s wellbeing.
Contact us today to guide you through a smooth, stress-free transition. Visit our website to speak with one of our legal professionals.