justalayman
Senior Member
This is what the state says:It seems as if Medicaid should have submitted this claim to the estate while probate was open. Probate is closed now, isn't it? Looks like they are out of luck.
You can check county courthouse land records to see if a lien has been placed or not.
The fact that they won't get in touch with you to discuss this matter further makes you wonder if their request is legitimate or perhaps someone trying to perpetrate a scam. Believe me, if they money is a valid debt, you will hear from them in the future.
And what the op would hear is the bill could collector knocking on the door. Op may have some issues if they distributed money that rightfully was owed to the state.Those involved in handling the estate must contact DMAHS in writing as soon as possible after the death of the Medicaid beneficiary or former Medicaid beneficiary. It is their responsibility to notify DMAHS to find out if DMAHS has a claim against the estate before any funds from the estate are spent (exception: reasonable funeral expenses may be paid). Distributions to any creditors or heirs cannot be made until the estate reimburses DMAHS if there is a Medicaid claim. Whoever is handling the estate should write to:
A lien isn’t placed until after the recipient dies. If the state was not informed very soon after the recipient died, it would delay the placement of the lien. Given the state did send a notice before the estate was closed, there is reslly no excuse the state was not dealt with during probate.