HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-7297o/
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PRESBYTERIAN HOMES INCORPORATED
D/B/A GREEN RIDGE VILLAGE,
Plaintiff,
V. No. 01- '7A?91 l?ivlt?ernn
LISA STARR,
Defendant. CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
NOTICE
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims
set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this
complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by
attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set
forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without
you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court without further notice for
any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the
plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW.
THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A
LAWYER.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE
ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY
OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
(800) 990-9108
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PRESBYTERIAN HOMES INCORPORATED
D/B/A GREEN RIDGE VILLAGE,
Plaintiff,
V. No.
LISA STARR,
Defendant. CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
AVISO
USTED HA SIDO DEMANDADO/A EN COUTE. Si usted desea defenderse de
las demandas que se presentan mas adelante en las siguientes paginas, debe tomar
action dentro de los proximos veiente (20) dias despues de la notificacion de esta
Demanda y Aviso radicando personalmente o por medio de un abogado una
comparecencia escrita y radicando en la Corte por escrito sus defensas de, y objeccionee
a, las demandas presentadas aqui en contra suya. Se le advierte de que si usted falla de
tomar accion como se describe anteriormente, el caso puede proceder sin usted y un
fallo por cualquier suma de dinero reclamada en la demanda o cualquier otra
reclamacion o remedio solicitado por el demandante puede ser dictado en contra suya
por la Corte sin mas aviso adicional. Usted pued perder dinero o propiedad u otros
derechos importantes para usted.
USTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE DOCUMENTO A SU ABOGADO
INMEDIATAMENTE. SI USTED NO TIENE UN ABOGADO, LLAME O VAYA A LA
SIGUIENTE OFICINA. ESTA OFICINA PUEDE PROVEERLE INFORMACION A
CERCA DE COMO CONSEGUIR UN ABOGADO.
SI USTED NO PUEDE PAGAR POR LOS SERVICIOS DE UN ABOGADO, ES
POSIBLE QUE ESTA OFICINA LE PUEDA PROVEER INFORMACION SOBRE
AGENCIAS QUE OFREZCAN SERVICIOS LEGALES SIN CARGO O BAJO COSTO A
PERSONAS QUE CUALIFICAN.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 S. Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
(800) 990-9108
t '
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PRESBYTERIAN HOMES INCORPORATED
D/B/A GREEN RIDGE VILLAGE,
Plaintiff,
V. No. 0 I - 2Z 9,7 Cc, ;j 72,
LISA STARR,
Defendant. CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
COMPLAINT
AND NOW, COMES, Plaintiff, Presbyterian Homes Incorporated d/b/a Green
Ridge Village ("Plaintiff"), by and through its attorneys, SCHUTJER BOGAR LLC, and
files the following complaint against Lisa Starr ("Defendant"), and in support thereof,
states:
1. Plaintiff, a corporation licensed to do business in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, is a residential and skilled nursing care provider with its principal offices
located at 210 Big Spring Road, Newville, Pennsylvania 17241.
2. Defendant is an adult individual who currently resides at 308 Middle
Road, Newville, Pennsylvania 17241.
3. On or about February 27, 2006, Defendant made application on behalf of
her mother, Margaret Gaylor ("Ms. Gaylor"), for admission to Plaintiff's skilled nursing
facility.
4. On or about February 27, 2006, Plaintiff and Defendant entered into a
written Long Term Care Admission Agreement ("Agreement"), pursuant to which
Plaintiff agreed to provide Ms. Gaylor with skilled nursing care and services in return
for Defendant's promise to make payment for that skilled nursing and services from
Ms. Gaylor's resources, to "cooperate fully with the Health Center and any third party
payer to secure payment," and, in the event that Ms. Gaylor became insolvent, to apply
for Medical Assistance benefits on her behalf and to "pursue MA [Medical Assistance]
coverage." A true and correct copy of the Agreement is attached as Exhibit "A."
5. Subsequent to Ms. Gaylor's admission to Plaintiff's skilled nursing facility,
no payment was made for services rendered to her, because she allegedly appeared to
be insolvent. As a result, an application for Medical Assistance benefits was
subsequently filed.
6. The Cumberland County Assistance Office denied the application for
Medical Assistance benefits because Defendant failed to provide the information
needed by the Cumberland County Assistance Office to determine Ms. Gaylor's
eligibility for Medical Assistance benefits.
7. As of October 31, 2007, an outstanding balance of $65,162.17 is owed to
Plaintiff for the care and services that it has provided to Defendant's mother, and this
balance increases monthly, as Ms. Gaylor is a current resident.
2
8. An appeal of the denial of the application for Medical Assistance benefits
is currently pending before the Bureau of Hearing and Appeals of the Department of
Public Welfare of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
9. If the documents requested by the Cumberland County Assistance Office
are not provided by Defendant prior to or at the time of the hearing on the appeal, the
application for Medical Assistance benefits will ultimately be denied, and any further
appeal to the Commonwealth Court would be without merit.
COUNT I - BREACH OF CONTRACT/SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE
10. Paragraphs 1 through 9 are incorporated by reference as though restated
in full.
11. Plaintiff has provided skilled nursing care and services to Ms. Gaylor in
accordance with the Agreement attached as Exhibit "A."
12. Defendant has breached the Agreement attached as Exhibit "A" by not
securing Medical Assistance benefits for her mother by providing the necessary
documentation to the Cumberland County Assistance Office to qualify Ms. Gaylor for
Medical Assistance benefits.
13. As a result of the failure of Defendant to abide by the terms and
conditions of the Agreement, the application for Medical Assistance benefits filed for
Ms. Gaylor has been denied.
14. The aforementioned breach of the Agreement with Plaintiff has caused
and continues to cause irreparable harm to Plaintiff.
3
15. Upon information and belief and to the extent of Plaintiff's knowledge, at
all times material hereto, Ms. Gaylor has been financially unable to fully compensate
Plaintiff for the care and services that it has rendered to her in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the Agreement.
16. Accordingly, only a decree of specific performance will adequately protect
the interests of Plaintiff and provide it with the benefits and/or protections promised
under the Agreement.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court enter a decree
ordering specific performance of the Agreement by the parties.
• Respectfully submitted,
SCHUTJER BOGAR LLC
Date d: I Z D3 /WO:7-
By.
I
Chadwick O. Bogar
Attorney I.D. No. 83755
(717) 909-5920
Maria G. Macus-Bryan
Attorney I.D. No. 90947
(717) 909-8640
417 Walnut Street, 4th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Attorneys for Plaintiff
4
E
LONG TERM CARE ADMISSION AGREEMENT
INTRODUCTION
This Agre ment is between V Y '
Resident, or g - ?,' j ft-%r , Resident's Represen a (referred to as
Resident in the Agreement) and l-', 14.2A. (IM Health Center, a
licensed Long Term Care Facility (referred to as Health Center this Agreement), for admission
of Resident to the Health Center on X17 , 20__0 (Date)
Resident requests ccupancy of Room a room for occupancy of of residents
at a Daily Rate of $?? Resident may request a room change and the Health Center will
make every effort to honor such requests as soon as possible. However, a room change may
result in a change in the Daily Rate upon occupancy of the new room. In the event of an
increase in the Daily Rate, the Health Center will provide thirty (30) days' notice of any change,
thereby giving Resident sufficient time to request a room change (for example from a private to
a semi-private room) or to transfer to another nursing facility.
The Health Center agrees to accept payments from Medicare and other contracted third
party payers for Resident's stay if Resident meets all qualifications required by Medicare or
other third party payer. Resident agrees to pay daily co-payment and/or deductibles as
designated by Medicare or other third party payers.
If Resident qualifies for Medical Assistance (MA ), the Health Center agrees to accept
the Patient Pay Liability (as defined below) as determined by the County Assistance Office with
the balance of the payment for covered services coming from the MA Program.
II. DEFINITIONS
A. Daily Rate. The rate the Health Center charges a private pay resident for room
and board, general nursing care, housekeeping serv ices, linen services, nutrition
management, limited in-room storage of Resident's personal belongs, and
recreational programs for each day a Resident is at the Health Center.
Physician services are not included in the Daily Rate.
B. . Healthcare Surrogate. An adult who is appointed to make healthcare decisions
for Resident when Resident becomes unable to make them for him/herself.
C. Medical Director. The physician designated by the Health Center to be
responsible for resident care policies and the coordination of medical care in the
Health Center.
D. Clinical Records. All records (excluding financial records) pertaining to a
particular Resident that are prepared and maintained by Health Center.
E. Patient pay Liability. The amount of personal funds, as determined by'the
Commonwealth County Assistance Office, that a Resident who is receiving MA
must pay monthly to the Health Center in addition to the payment from the MA
program.
F. Personal Needs Services. Personal services such as telephone service,
laundry, beauty and hair care (exclusive of routine assistance with grooming),
and newspaper delivery provided by the Health Center to Residents for their
convenience at Residents' expense.
G. Private Pay Resident A Resident who pays the Daily Rate and all other fees of
the Health Center from his/her own resources (including private insurance and
Medicare Part B) and who is not covered by or has exhausted Medicare Part A
and MA coverage.
H. Resident Funds. Personal funds of a Resident that the Resident has authorized
in writing that the Health Center shall manage for the Resident_
1. Resident's Representative. A person who is'responsible for making decisions on
behalf of the Resident and has been so designated in writing by the Resident or
a court of competent jurisdiction. If a Guarantor Agreement is attached to this
Agreement, the Resident's Representative is only obligated to make payment
from the Resident's personal funds. Reference in this Agreement to Resident
shall also include, as appropriate, the Resident's Representative or other person
authorized to act on Resident's behalf.
J. Skilled Nursing Care. Professionally supervised nursing care and related
medical and other health services ,provided to an individual not in need of
hospitalization, but whose needs are above the level of room and board and can
only be met in a long-term care nursing facility on an inpatient basis because of
age, illness, disease, injury, convalescence or physical or mental infirmity.
K. Specialty Care Services. Medical services ordered by a physician for a Resident
that are not included in the Daily Rate. Medicare and Medicaid each include
certain Specialty Care Services in the.per diem rates, but neither include all such
services.
L. Transfer. and Discharge. Movement of a resident to a bed outside of the certified
facility or unit whether that bed is in the same physical plant or not. Transfer and
discharge do not refer to movement of a resident within the same certified
facility.
111. HEALTH CENTER OBLIGATIONS:
The Health Center will:
A. provide, as part of the Daily Rate, room and board, general nursing care,
housekeeping services, linen services, nutrition management, limited in-room
storage of Resident's personal belongings; and recreational programs. General
nursing care does not include private duty nursing.
B. provide Specialty Care Services ordered by Resident's treating or attending
physician: Although additional fees for specialty. services maybe covered by
third party payers, the Specialty Care Services identified on Exhibit A are not
included in the daily rate, and are billed at the rates set forth In Exhibit A. Any
items ordered by a physician, which are not identified on the Exhibit A will be
provided at charges identified by the Health Center prior to the delivery of the
service.
C. provide Personal Needs Services, at Resident's expense (at the rates set forth
on the Fee Schedule attached as Exhibit A) and at Resident's request, including
but not limited to:
1 . Beauty/barber services
2. Newspaper delivery and personal reading materials
3. Local and long distance telephone services
4. Cable services, depending on cable provider .
5. Personal laundry, dry cleaning and mending
6. Personal clothing.
D. provide safekeeping of Resident Funds, if authorized in writing by the Resident;
and make those funds available, at Resident's request, during normal business
hours.
1 . Resident may manage his/her financial resources if (s)he wishes.
2: Residents may keep a limited amount of funds at the Health Center, the
maximum amount, which is specked from time to time by the Health
Center.
3. Requests for withdrawals in excess of $50.00 require advance notice to
assure availability of cash at the Health Center. Resident Funds shall be
retained in compliance with State and Federal regulations. Resident
Funds exceeding $50.00 shall be placed in an interest bearing account. A
written quarterly statement of these funds shall be provided to Resident.
Resident agrees to return signed copy to facility if required.
E. provide refunds of unused advance payments and Resident Funds within thirty
(30) days after deductions for payment of any outstanding bills or other amounts
due the Health Center after Resident's discharge or death. In the event of
Resident's death, refunds will be made to the authorized representative of
Resident's estate.
F. assist Resident in applying for and obtaining private insurance and/or public
benefits to cover the cost of the Resident's care.
G. transfer or discharge Resident out of the Medicare or Medicaid certified portion
of the Health Center only for medical reasons, for Resident's welfare. because
the safety or health of individuals in the Health Center is endangered, because
the Resident has failed, after reasonable notice, to pay for a stay at the Health
Center, or with the voluntary consent of Resident. Except in emergency
situations, at least thirty (30) days' notice will-be provided to Resident and
Resident's Representative to assure that the-transfer is safe.and orderly. The
Health Center reserves the right and discretion to move Resident to another
room or bed within certified parts of the Health Center consistent with the safety,
care and welfare needs of the Resident.
H. arrange for Resident's transfer or discharge upon the order of Resident's
personal physician when he/she deems it necessary to receive services the
Health Center is not qualified to provide or at Resident's request.
1. honor Resident's Rights as outlined in the Department of Public Welfare
Admissions Notice Packet (MA 401).
J. hold Resident responsible to pay for any damages or injuries caused by
Resident to other persons, residents or staff. Resident shall indemnify and hold
the Health Center harmless from any claims, actions or proceedings against the
Health Center resulting from Resident's actions or omissions. Health Center will
be responsible for loss of or damage to Resident's personal property by Health
Center staff.
K. provide Resident with a locked drawer or box for Resident's valuables or for
medications retained for self-administration. Resident may self-administer
medications only in certain circumstances and may not have medications in
his/her room without physician authorization.
L. provide Resident with a choice of pharmacy if Resident does not wish to utilize
the pharmacy provider designated by the Health Center. With this choice,
pharmacy must provide medications in compliance with all applicable laws and
under a delivery system that is consistent with the one used by the Health
Center, must provide a monthly written profile of all drugs provided to the Health
Center's consultant pharmacist, and must be delivered from the provider
pharmacy in tamper proof containers, directly to the Health Center's licensed
nursing staff.
M. provide Resident with a choice of attending physician who will provide medical
care during the Resident's stay at the Health Center and who shall comply with
the Health Center's rules, regulations, policies and procedures and all applicable
laws and credentialing standards. Resident may also designate an alternate
attending physician in the event that the primary attending physician is
unavailable. In the event that Resident's attending physician(s) are unavailable,
the Resident authorizes Health Center's Medical Director or other physician
designated by the Health Center to issue appropriate orders.
IV. RESIDENT OBLIGATIONS
The Resident agrees to:
A. by signing this Agreement, Resident certifies that (s)he is competent, and has
never been adjudged incompetent, and is entering into this Agreement of his/her
own free will.
1 . In the event Resident'has been adjudged incompetent, Resident's
healthcare surrogate will attest, in a separate document that (s)he has
the legal authority to act on behalf of the Resident.
B. provide the Health Center with all information about Resident's health status and
financial resources. Failure to accurately identify resources and income, or the
submission of false information may amount to a violation of law and may result
in the termination of this Agreement by and at the option of the Health Center.
C. provide the Health Center with a copy of all current insurance cards. Resident
will provide the Health Center with changes in insurance coverage or financial
status in a timely manner, and will update the information provided to the Health
Center from time to time, as requested. Resident understands that making
incomplete or inaccurate disclosures will be considered a breach of this
Agreement.
D. authorize the Health Center to provide care and treatment to Resident consistent
with the terms of this Agreement and to cant' out the orders of the Resident's
treating or attending physician or of the physician designated by the Health
Center. Resident also authorizes the Health Center to obtain all necessary
clinical and/or financial information from the hospital or nursing facility from
which Resident may be transferring.
E. authorize the Health Center to make Resident's Clinical Records available to
Health Center staff and agents. Resident also authorizes the release of the
Resident's Clinical Records to any other health care provider from whom
Resident receives treatment, to third-party payors of health services, and to any
managed care organization (MCO) in which Resident may be enrolled. Resident
also authorizes the release to the Health Center of records prepared and
maintained by any third-party payor of health care services pertaining to health
care services rendered to the Resident by the Health Center. Resident also
acknowledges receipt of the "Release for Electronic Transmission of Minimum
Data Set" ("MDS"), which explains the MDS system of records using Resident
data. Resident's Clinical Records will remain otherwise confidential, and shall
not be made available to anyone other than Resident or authorized agents of the
state or federal governments without the express written authorization of
Resident or without a iubpoena or other judicial order.
F. cooperate fully with the Health Center and any third party payer to secure
payment. Resident authorizes the Health Centerto collect any payments made
by third parties on Resident's behalf directly from the third party payer. Resident
also authorizes the Health Center to make claims, file appeals or grievances,
and take other actions necessary and appropriate to secure receipt of third-party
payments to reimburse the Health Center for its charges for the stay and care of
Resident to'the fullest extent permitted by law. Provided that Resident may, but
shall not be requimd'to authorize the Health enter to pursue grievances or
appeals on-- ResidwW- s behalf under Pennsylvania`s Quality Health Care
Accountability and Protection Act, to.the fullest ant permitted by law and as
security for payment of the Health Center's charges, Resident hereby assigns to
the Health Center all of Resident's rights to any third-party payments now or
subsequently payable for services rendered by or provided under arrangement
through the Health Center,
G. pay the Daily Rate established for the accommodation requested. Payment is
due 30 days in advance, and Resident agrees to make full payment by the first
of each month. Collection procedures are initiated after thirty (30) days of
unpaid balances. Interest shall be charged on unpaid balances.
i . If the Health Center initiates any legal actions to collect payments due
from Resident under this Agreement, Resident shall be responsible to
pay all attorney's fees and costs incurred by the Health Center in
enforcing Resident's financial obligations under the Agreement.
2. This Agreement shall serve as an assignment to the Health .Center of as
much of Resident's property as equals the amount of any unpaid
obligations under this Agreement, and this assignment shall be an
obligation of Resident's estate that may be enforced against Resident's..
estate. Resident's estate shall be liable to and shall pay to the Health
Center an amount equivalent to any unpaid obligations of Resident under
this Agreement. This liability shall apply whether or not Resident is
occupying the Health Center at the time of Resident's death.
H. pay for additional items, services and equipment not included in the Daily Rate
as identified by the Fee Schedules, attached as Exhibit A.
L understand that Resident will be notified thirty (30) days in advance of changes
in the Daily Rate except when Resident requests room change, changes in
charges for Specialty Care Services or Personal Needs Services, or changes in
billing procedures, and agree that the changes will be effective upon the date
designated by the Health Center.
J. understand that the Resident may continue to live at the Health Center as long
as Resident continues to pay the Daily Rate. Resident may be discharged for
non-payment of incurred charges or transferred for the benefit of the Resident or
others, as set forth in Section 111(H) of this Agreement.
K. acknowledge that non-payment of the Daily Rate for a private room will result in
a room change.
L. acknowledge that the Health Center has the discretion, with thirty (30) days'
notice, to transfer Resident to another room or bed within the Health Center
consistent with the safety, care and welfare needs of Resident. The Health
Center also has the discretion, upon thirty (30) days' advance notice, to transfer
or change Resident's roommate, if any, at any time consistent with the needs of
the Health Center.
M. terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the Health Center, but if
Resident leaves for any reason other than a medical emergency or death,
Resident must give reasonable advance written notice to the Health Center.
N. notify the Health Center at least two months before the Resident has insufficient
resources, funds or income to meet his/her financial obligations and to apply for
MA benefits timely. If Resident is no longer able to pay the Daily Rate and is not
eligible for MA, Resident agrees to vacate the Health Center.
0. -pay co-payments and/or deductibles for services covered by the Medicare
Program or.other third party payer, and pay the Health Center within thirty (30)
days of receipt of services for those services not covered by the Medicare
Program or other third party payer.
P. pay for items and services requested by Resident and not covered by. MA within
thirty days of receiving the non-covered service.
0. to the extent otherwise permitted by law, assume responsibility. for any damages
or injuries caused by acts or omissions of the Resident to other persons,
residents or staff.
R. comply with reasonable rules, regulations, policies and procedures that the
Health- Center establishes from time to time and' makes available to Residents,
subject to reasonable accommodation of Resident's individual needs and
preferences. The Health Center's rules, regulations, policies and procedures are
for purposes of internal management and shall not be construed as imposing
contractual obligations on the Health Center and are subject to change from time
to time.
S. acknowledge receipt of the Resident Handbook, a document that provides
Residents with Health Center rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
T. acknowledge receipt of information on Advance Directives in the absence of
providing the Health Center with an existing Advance Directive or Living Will.
U. provide the Health Center with a copy of any and all Durable Powers of Attorney,
Guardianships, and/or Advance Directives pertaining to the Resident.
V. acknowledge that (s)he has read and understands the terms of this Agreement,
that the terms have been explained to them by a representative of the Health
Center, and that (s)he has had an opportunity to ask questions about the
Agreement.
V. MEDICARE AND ]MEDICAID
The Health Center is certified to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid Programs.
The Health Centers participation in these programs is subject to termination by either the
Health Center or the responsible government entity. - The Pennsylvania Department of Public
Welfare (DPW) is responsible for administering benefits under the Medicaid Program and the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is responsible for administering the
Medicare program through an intermediary. The Resident acknowledges that the Health Center
actions or decisions of
is not responsible for and has made no rep?r administer ng theseregarding
programs.
DPW, CMS or the Medicare m m?arY
A. Medicare
If Resident is eligible for benefits under the Medicare Program, Resident understands
that certain skilled nursing and related health care services may be covered by Medicare. The
Health Center will bill Medicare Part A on behalf of the Resident for skilled nursing services and
payment will be made by Medicare Part A directly to the Health Center for services received by
Resident.. When the Health Center notifies Resident that the nursing services being provided to
the Resident no longer qualify as a skilled service, the Resident may request that the Health
Center bill Medicare anyway.
the Medicare Part Anon-covered days Resident agrees to be responsible
for the charges incurred on
The following describes coverage under the Medicare Part A Program:
1 , Medicare Part A covers from one (1) to one hundred (100) days at the
Health Center. Coverage is not guaranteed and is limited to the unused
days in the Resident's benefit period. Conditions stipulated by Medicare
must be met for coverage to begin and remain in force.
2. The Medicare Part A Program pays for all covered charges from day one
(1) through day twenty (20) if the criteria for skilled service is met.
3. The Medicare Part A Program pays a portion but not all of the charges
from day twenty-one (21) through day one hundred (100). The Resident
is responsible for and shall pay any co-insurance or deductible amounts
as determined by the Medicare Part A program. Depending on the
circumstances, this payment may be made by personal health insurance,
MA, or personal funds.
4. The Medicare Part A Program covers the following services: room and
board, linens, meals, most prescription medications, therapy services,
most medical supplies, non-private duty nursing services, most
recreational services, most social services, and most personal hygiene
items provided by the Facility. (Note: only the type and brand of personal
hygiene items provided by the Health Center are included.)
5. Some items and services not covered by the Medicare Part A Program
include, but are not limited to: personal clothing, eyeglasses, hearing
aids, services of a beautician or barber, guest meals, special or
alternative meals not required for therapeutic purposes or as a nutritional
substitute, services not deemed medically necessary, and personal
telephone service. The Fee Schedule for items and services provided to
Medicare Part A eligible Residents that are not covered by Medicare Part
A is attached as Exhibit A.
6. Bed hold days are not covered by the Medicare Part A Program. (See
Section VII.)
7. Residents covered by Medicare Part A should not go out on overnight
leave as this may disqualify them from further coverage by Medicare Part
A.
8. Residents maybe covered for therapy and other ancillary services under
the Medicare Part B Program. The Health Center or provider approved
by. Health Center will bill Medicare Part B directly for these services. The
Residents are responsible for the annual deductible and the co-insurance
payment for Medicare Part B covered services.
9. Resident is responsible to pay the Health Center for services and
supplies not covered by the Medicare Program.
10. in the event that Medicare coverage is changed by law, those changes
will control and take precedence over any contrary provision in this
Agreement.
B. Medicare Managed Care
The Health Center participates as a provider of skilled nursing services under'some, but
not all Medicare MCOs.
1 . Requirements for eligibility for Medicare payments, deductibles and co-
insurance may be different from those discussed in Section V(A). Pre=
authorization of services is required by Medicare MCOs, and If the
Resident chooses to have services which the MCO refuses to pre-
authorize, Resident shall pay the Health Center for those services. If the
MCO refuses coverage on the grounds that it does not consider an item
or service to be medically necessary, Health Center or MCO will provide
an Advance Beneficiary Notice of that determination. The Health Center
will communicate directly with Residents Medicare MCO to obtain
authorization for continued Medicare managed care coverage.
2. The Health Center will accept payment from the Medicare MCO as
payment in full only for those services and supplies covered by the
Medicare MCO. Resident is responsible for any co-payments or other
costs assigned to Resident or not covered by the MCO undeF the specific
terms of the managed care plan.
3. Resident acknowledges that an MCO for which the Health Center is not
an authorized provider may not approve payment for services provided
by the Health Center, so that Resident may be fequired to pay the Health
Center directly. Resident also acknowledges that the Health Center is
not responsible for and has made no representations regarding the
actions or decisions of any MCO for which the Health Center is an
authorized provider, including decisions relating to a denial of coverage
or refusal to pay on behalf of the Resident.
4. The Health Center reserves the right to stop its participation in any MCO
at any time and in its sole discretion. To the extent practicable, the
Health Center will provide advance notice to Residents enrolled in a
particular managed care plan or insurance program of its decision to stop
participation in that managed care plan or insurance program.
C. Medical Assistance Pro-gram
1 . Residents who qualify for coverage under the MA Program must apply for
and be approved for these services at the County Assistance Office. It is
Resident's responsibility to pursue MA coverage. Until approval of MA
coverage. is obtained, the Health Center will consider Resident to be a
Private Pay Resident.
2. Resident will be required to use the Patient Pay Liability to pay the Health
Center for the Resident's stay in conjunction with the MA Program.
Periodic adjustments in the Patient Pay Liability are made by the County
Assistance Office and when issued, will supersede all previous
determinations. Resident shall arrange, if'possible, for the designation of
the Health Center for direct deposit of any Social Security or related
benefits or any other income sources of the Resident in an amount not to
exceed the Patient Pay Liability.
3. MA program coverage includes the following: room and board,
prescription and non-prescription medications, meals, linen service,
nursing services, incontinence care, social services, recreational
activities, personal laundry, a hair cut every six (6) weeks, a shampoo
and set every two (2) weeks, one permanent per year, and personal
hygiene items provided by the Health Center. (Note that only the type
and brand of personal hygiene items provided by the Health Center are
included.) The MA Program limits the frequency of coverage for the
purchase of eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures.
4. The Health Center will not charge, solicit, accept or receive monies from
or on behalf of Resident for bed hold days covered by MA Program,
except for the Patient Pay Liability, to cover the cost of Resident's stay or
as a condition of admitting a Resident under the MA Program.
6. Some items and services not covered by the MA Program include, but
are not limited to: personal telephone service, personal clothing, guest
meals, brand name personal hygiene items, and additional services
provided by a beautician other than those listed above. Resident is
responsible for charges incurred for these services at the rates listed on
the Fee Schedule attached as Exhibit A in addition to the patient pay
liability amount.
6. Residents receiving MA coverage are permitted to keep the amount that
has been designated as the Resident's personal needs allowance for
personal spending. Personal funds may be given to the Health Center
for safekeeping (see Health Center Obligations in Section 111).
7. The MA Program provides for bed hold days for llmlted periods of time
during Resident's stay.
a) Up to fifteen days bed hold. days are allowed when Resident is
transferred to a hospital.
b) Up to thirty days bed hold days are allowed annually for
intermittent therapeutic leave from the Health Center.
c) The bed hold days referenced above are based upon the law in
effect at this time, and may be subject to change if the governing
state law is changed.
8. The Health Center provides equal access to its services to all individuals,
regardless of payor source.
VI. THIRD-PARTY PAYMENTS
A. If Resident is or becomes eligible to receive financial assistance or .
reimbursement from any third parties (such as private insurance, employee
benefit plans; MA, Medicare, managed care coverage, supplemental medical or
other health insurance, supplemental security income insurance, or old-age
survivors' or disability insurance), the Health Center reserves the right to collect
such payments directly from the third-party. Resident shall cooperate fully with
the Health Center and each third-party payor to secure payment, and Resident
shall designate the Health Center, to the extent permitted by law, as the recipient
of direct deposit for receipt of Federal Social Security benefits or any other
Federal or State government assistance, reimbursement, or benefits to the
extent of all amounts due the Health Center.
B. Resident authorizes the Health Center to make claims and to take necessary
actions to secure receipt of third-party payments to reimburse the Health Center
for its charges for the stay and care of Resident. To the fullest extent permitted
by law, as security for payment of the Health Centers charges, Resident agrees
to assign to the Health Center Resident's rights to any third-party payments now
or subsequently payable to satisfy all charges due under this Agreement.
Resident shall endorse and turn over to the Health Center any payments
received from third-party payor to the extent necessary to satisfy the charges
under this Agreement.
C. In the event of any denial of coverage by the Resident's insurance company,
Resident shall pay the facility for all non-covered services retroactive to the date
of the initial delivery of services.
VIL R.EADNUSSION*- BED HOLD POLICY
A. A Health Center representative shall eommunicate with Resident regarding
his/her desire to continue to occupy the Health Center bed during hospitalization
or therapeutic leave. Verbal consent shall be given to the Health Center
representative who shall document this consent in the clinical record. Written
consent shall be obtained following the verbal consent. See Fee Schedule
(Exhibit A) for bed-hold rates.
B. Bed holds for Residents enrolled in the MA Program are subject to the
provisions of Section 5(C)(7).
C. Resideht's belongings shall be removed from the Health Center within 24 hours
if Resident does not execute a bed hold authorization. Belongings not removed
in a timely fashion may be packed and stored.
VIII. CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE
All Presbyterian Homes, Inc. facilities, including the Health Center, are open to all in
need of services and are not restricted to members of the Presbyterian Church. The Health
Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, sex,
handicap or disability.
IX. REGULATION
The Health Center and Resident recognize that Health Center is licensed by the
Pennsylvania Department of Health and is regulated by the DPW. The Health Center and
Resident recognize that Health Center is also regulated by CMS of the United States
Department of Health and Human Services. Both parties recognize that regulatory changes
may alter the conditions of this agreement.
X. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
If Resident believes that Resident is being mistreated in any way or Resident's rights
have been or are being violated by staff or another resident, on in any other way, Resident may
submit a complaint to the Health Center's Director of Nursing and/or Administrator, and follow
the Health Center's grievance procedure as described in the Resident Handbook. The Health
Center's grievance procedure does not preclude Residents from pursuing grievances with
appropriate regulatory agencies.
Xl. ARBITRATION
Any controversy, dispute or disagreement arising out of, or relating to this Agreement, or
concerning any rights arising thereunder or the breach thereof shall be settled exclusively by
arbitration, which shall be conducted at the Health Center in accordance with the American
Health Lawyers Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Service Rules of Procedure for
Arbitration. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator shall be binding on both parties
and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Provided, however, that this
arbitration clause is not intended to limit or supersede hearing rights that are guaranteed to a
resident under the Medicare or MA programs or an applicable state law.
Xfl; GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
Gommonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of each of the undersigned parties and their respective heirs, personal representatives,
successors and assigns.
XIII. SEVERABILITY
The various provisions of this Agreement shall be severable one from another. If any
provision of this Agreement is found by a court or administrative body of proper jurisdiction to be
invalid, the other provisions shall remain in full force and effect as If the invalid provision had not
been a part of this Agreement.
XIV. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the parties, and
supersedes all previous representations, understandings or agreements, oral or written,
between the parties.
XV. MODIFICATIONS
The Health Center has the right to modify unilaterally the terms of this Agreement to the
extent necessary to conform to subsequent changes in law-or regulation. To the extent
practicable, the Health Center will give Resident and Resident's Representative thirty (30) days
advance written notice of any such modifications.
XVI. WAIVER OF PROVISIONS
The Health Center Executive Director reserves the right to waive any obligation of
Resident under the provisions -of this Agreement in its sole and absolute discretion. No term,
provision or obligation of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived by the Health
Center unless and except to the extent that such waiver is in writing by the Health Center. Any
waiver by the Health Center shall not be deemed a waiver of any other term, provision or
obligation of this Agreement, and the other obligations of Resident and this Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect.
Signatures
This Agreement and any addenda to this Agreement constitute the entire Agreement
and understanding between the Health Center and the Resident with respect to the subject
fiter of. this Agreement and supersede all prior Agreements and understandings. There are
no Agreements, understandings; restrictions, warranties, or representations between the Health
Center and the Resident other than those set forth in this Agreement, or incorporated in this
Agreement by reference. This Agreement may be amended only by a document in writing
signed by the Resident and the Administrator or Executive Director, and no act or omission of
any employee or agent of the Health Center shall alter, change or modify any of the provisions
of this Agreement.
3-- -'Alp
Administrator or Executi Director Date
Resident
G `
Representative
Date
c)-la C) (0
Date
U LUWWL&
Witness
Date
t C to
VERIFICATION
The undersigned hereby verifies that the statements of fact in the foregoing
Complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I
understand that any false statements therein are subject to the penalties contained in 18
Pa. C. S. § 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Dated: 1 D
Jeff D is
Chief Financial Officer
? 00
O ) ra
Y
W D t..?? r r
W
? -?
"t
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CASE NO.: 07-7297 Civil Term
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
Presbyterian Homes
Incorporated d/b/a Green Ridge
Village
vs.
Lisa Starr
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Dauphin as.
I, John Shinkowsky, a competent adult, being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that at 10:02 PM on
12/26/2007,1 served Lisa Starr at 308 Middle Road, Newville, PA 17241 in the manner described below:
? Defendant(s) personally served.
® Adult family member with whom said Defendant(s) reside(s).
Relationship is Robert Starr. Spouse.
? Adult in charge of Defendant(s) residence who refused to give name and/or relationship.
? Manager/Clerk of place of lodging in which Defendant(s) reside(s).
? Agent or person in charge of Defendant's office or usual place of business.
? an officer of said Defendant's company.
? Other:
a true and correct copy of Notice, Complaint, Verification issued in the above captioned matter.
Description:
Sex: Male - Age: 38 - Skin: White - Hair: Brown - Height: 5' 77W
x
Sw to and subsc ibed before me on this J Shinkowsk
'0 day of 2V S nkowsky Inve a
7-t'-
376 Fawn Ridge h
Harrisburg, PA 17110
.?/ (800) 276-0202
LIC
110TA
Atty File#: 07-7297 - Our File# 2591
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Law Firm: Schutjer Bogar LLC " P NOTARIAL SEAL
Address: 417 Walnut Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA, 17102 KIMBERLW A. CABLE, Notary Public
Telephone: (717) 909-5925 Susquehanna Twp., Dauphin County
My Commission Expires Sept. 11, 2008
0
W
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PRESBYTERIAN HOMES INCORPORATED :
d/b/a GREEN RIDGE VILLAGE,
Plaintiff,
V.
LISA STARR,
Defendant.
ORDER
No. 07-7297
CIVIL ACTION - EQUITY
And now, this ! day of M".)\ 2009, the Petitioner's request for a
continuance of the injunction hearing scheduled for March 5, 2009, is Granted. If the
parties' settlement discussions do not resolve this matter, Petitioner shall notify the
Court, and a new hearing date will be set.
J•
tnAof Ad o -?
lfiNVAlAbNN-:M
Axvu<?rd 3w.