Veterans of Pennsylvania’s Homes Seized and Savings Too

When Rosella Stitzell in 2002 had checked in into the Southwestern Veterans Center run by the state, the World War II veteran had been told that 4/5ths of her monthly pension would be required to pay for her stay. 20% was required to go into the personal savings account that is maintained by the home in Lincoln Lemington. This savings account has grown over the next 7 years to top 20,000 dollars. However, when Stitzell who is now 97 checked out last year, she along with her 3 children got a surprise. Not only was she refused to have possession of her 20,000 dollars by the department of Military and Veterans Affair but the family also learnt that she now owes more than 200,000 dollars for her stay. A lesser known knot of the bureaucracy of the state had blocked the way of Stitzells, a knot that has seized savings of dozens of deceased veterans including coin collection and their homes.

In fact, some of the relatives have to go to court to fight with the state for money in order to bury their kin. As per the review of court records across state and family members’ interviews, it is shown that many people were actually unaware that they would be billed thousands of dollars after the death of loved ones. These practices according to the state officials are legal and fair. These policies according to the attorneys appear contradictory. Some of the attorneys have also questioned if many of the veterans even realize what they are getting into when they sign key documents.

According to Pennsylvania Health Law Project’s Kyle Fisher, it is unbelievable that people believe in signing away the rights they have over their own funds and it seems pernicious. Carol Sikov, a Downtown attorney, specialist in elder law  who has represented families of two veterans felt that the restrictions placed on the veterans’ savings accounts exceeds those imposed on the money for personal needs that is provided to patients in nursing homes under the Medicaid program which has been federal and state funded.

Minority chairman, Re. Russell Fairchild, of the House Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs said that although he was not aware of this policy he will look into it. According to Fairchild the policy needs to be clarified. According to Dennis Guise, the homes make a real effort to inform patients and the system is fair.