Uncovering the Vanished Patient Account: A Family's Pursuit for Answers

In a heartbreaking tale, a family in Amherst, Ohio, is grappling with the disappearance of a "patient bank account" set up through Amherst Manor for their loved one who had been a patient. The account, which contained roughly 0 at the time of the patient's passing, has become the center of an ongoing battle, leaving the family searching for answers and seeking justice.

Navigating the Complexities of Patient Accounts and Funeral Expenses

Exceptional Care, Troubling Aftermath

Kristin Morelock's experience with Amherst Manor was a mixed bag, with the majority of her interactions being positive. She praised the exceptional nursing staff on the dementia floor, noting that they truly cared for her father and that she never had to worry about his well-being. However, the "5% bad" has since become a source of ongoing frustration and anguish.

The Vanished Patient Account

Morelock had opened a "patient bank account" through Amherst Manor, where she would regularly deposit money to ensure her father had funds for activities, haircuts, and other personal needs. At the time of his passing, the account held approximately 0. Morelock's intention was to have this money transferred from Amherst Manor to the Dovin Funeral Home to help cover the funeral expenses.

Navigating the Bureaucratic Maze

The funeral home director, Brian Hartman, explained that patient accounts are typically either returned to the family or, in cases where the patient was on Medicaid, sent to the state for Medicaid recovery. Morelock confirmed that her father was on Medicaid, but she was never made aware by Amherst Manor that the money could be sent to the state.

Conflicting Accounts and Unanswered Questions

Sprenger Health Care Systems, the owners of Amherst Manor, cited privacy laws and regulations, stating that if a resident passes away and utilizes Medicaid funding, the funds are subject to Medicaid Recovery and must be returned to the State of Ohio. However, the various state agencies contacted by News 5 – the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Commerce, the Ohio Department of Medicaid, and the Ohio Attorney General's Office – were unable to confirm or locate the 0 from Morelock's father's patient account.

A Frustrating and Emotional Journey

Morelock expressed her frustration with the situation, stating that it is "not something anybody should have to go through." She is not seeking to reclaim the money but rather hopes that her story will help others in similar situations navigate the complex web of patient accounts and funeral expenses.

Seeking Assistance and Guidance

For those facing similar challenges, Morelock recommends contacting the Ohio Medicaid Hotline at 1-800-324-8680 or the Attorney General's office hotline for unclaimed funds at 1-877-644-6823. These resources may provide valuable guidance and assistance in resolving such matters.The disappearance of Morelock's father's patient account has left the family grappling with unanswered questions and a sense of injustice. Their pursuit for answers highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the long-term care system, ensuring that families can navigate the complexities of patient accounts and funeral expenses with clarity and support.