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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-27-05 R ': r ~ .. . :- ~ r'- ':j t1 r' '"''lr''" ., ..... -" --. - -'"'f' IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS - CUMBERLAND COUNTY ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION IN RE: BARBARA SALIARIS O.C. No. 2 \ - OS - aSS 2... FINAL DECREE AND NOW, this day of ,2005, it is hereby ORDERED that Niki Ritter, agent in fact for Barbara Saliaris is directed to file a full and complete accounting of all transactions undertaken by her with respect to the transfer and redemption of Capital Life Insurance, Wachovia Securities, and Mellon Investor Services IRA accounts of Barbara Saliaris from July 1, 2003 to August 1, 2005 in the amount of $82,366.69, and to turn over $37,028.64 of said proceeds from any transfer and/ or redemption to the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General no later than ,2005. BY THE COURT: J. ty Rr-CEl'.,'cn C'~o ') ,.. "DOS I::' , . ,-.J "...., ... , .. ~ IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS - CUMBERLAND COUNTY ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION IN RE: BARBARA SALIARIS O.c. No. ~l- 05 - 0652 AND NOW, this \ ~t PRELIMINARY DECREE o c..t oL () day of ,2005, upon consideration of the annexed petition, a citation is issued directed to Niki Ritter to show cause, if any there be, why an Order should not be entered requiring her to file a full and complete accounting of all transactions undertaken by her with respect to the redemption and/ or transfer of Capital Life Insurance, Wachovia Securities, and Mellon Investor Services IRA accounts, of Barbara Saliaris from July 1, 2003 to August 1,2005 in the amount of $82,366.69, and to turn over $37,028.64 of said proceeds fr~~~e r-..~" c.:J c:) Citation returnable 2..0 days from the date of service. *,_C) transactions to the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General. A copy of the petition shall be served with the citation. N \C(L\\ O~ (l'O.,-ltt ( llS~0-ic (\j lei ILl t-k: Cc-ttLJ l~ll0 BY THE COURT: :j 61 . iI' l~-: h_ . 4 ~ 'i , 'J' '---Ol ' '-, ~ ' , i , ...;...,..... J. , I ~._' ~ ~ -'., -. ' " r")O:-r-.-"'-~ ,..-...... r~ ,.... ;\.: V. , ~J '_0" ~ ~ _J'J'5 ( IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS - CUMBERLAND COUNTY ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION ~'" c-") .J n " ( /'" IN RE: BARBARA SALIARIS O.c. No. '2 \ -oc; - 0<26 L'J , I r.o) [',,' PETITION FOR ACCOUNTING AND TURN OVER OF ASSETS i AND NOW, COMES, Petitioner, HCR ManorCare- Carlisle ("ManorCare"), by and through its attorneys, SCHUTJER BOGAR LLC, and files the within Petition against Defendant, Niki Ritter ("Ritter") and in support thereof, provides as follows: 1. Barbara Saliaris was admitted as a resident of ManorCare, a skilled nursing facility, on August 12, 2003. 2. Upon information and belief, Niki Ritter was Ms. Saliaris's agent in fact pursuant to a Power of Attorney. 3. At all times relevant hereto, Ms. Ritter exercised control of Ms. Saliaris's income and other funds in her capacity as agent in fact for Ms. Saliaris. 4. On October 23, 2003, Ms. Saliaris, through her agent in fact, Ms. Ritter, applied for Medicaid benefits with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. 5. As a condition of eligibility for said Medicaid benefits, Ms. Saliaris and her agent in fact were required to disclose any and all of Ms. Saliaris's financial assets and resources to the Department of Public Welfare. , ,2 \~J ,'j ':i" , - 11 -'-:, , .- :'" 1 ..., co ,~j 6. On February 3, 2004, based on the information provided to it on the application, the Department of Public Welfare determined Ms. Saliaris eligible for Medicaid benefits while she was a resident of ManorCare. A true and correct copy of the PA-162 issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare granting such benefits is attached hereto as Exhibit" A". 7. The PA-162 grant required Ms. Ritter and Ms. Saliaris to report any changes that would impact Ms. Saliaris's continued eligibility. 8. On or about July 8, 2005, the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General, working with the Department of Public Welfare, discovered previously undisclosed assets of Ms. Saliaris that, if known at the time of application, would have impacted her eligibility for benefits. Said Assets include to wit: proceeds from transfer and/ or redemption of Capital Life Insurance, Wachovia Securities, and Mellon Investor Services IRA accounts in the amount of $82,366.69. A true and correct copy of the letter issued by the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General notifying Ritter of its claim is attached hereto as Exhibit "B." 9. As a result of the aforementioned undisclosed assets, the Department of Public Welfare rendered Ms. Saliaris ineligible for all benefits received from October 1, 2003 through August 30, 2004, an overpayment equal to $37,028.64. 10. Ms. Saliaris, to date, continues to reside at ManorCare. 11. If Ms. Ritter does not remit to the Office of Inspector General the aforesaid $37,028.64, Ms. Saliaris will be disqualified from receiving additional Medicaid benefits for her continued stay at ManorCare. 2 12. Upon information and belief, Ms. Ritter received some or all of Ms. Saliaris's aforementioned assets. WHEREFORE, Petitioner requests that this Honorable Court issue a citation directed to Ms. Ritter to show cause, if any there be, why an Order should not be entered requiring her to file a full and complete accounting of all transactions undertaken by her with respect to the redemption and/ or transfer of Capital Life Insurance, Wachovia Securities, and Mellon Investor Services IRA accounts, of Barbara Saliaris from July I, 2003 to August I, 2005 in the amount of $82,366.69, and to turn over $37,028.64 of said proceeds from the transactions to the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General. Respectfully submitted, SCHUTJER BOGAR LLC Dated: ~ - ;l v- as By: Cha . oar At rney J.D. No. 83755 W. Scott Foster Attorney J.D. No. 90266 441 Friendship Road, Suite 102 Harrisburg, PA 17111 (717) 909-5924 Attorneys for Petitioner 3 Hx lJ.ate/Time AUG-18-2UU5(THU) 11:11 A.u~ 18 05 12:28p A. E. Bo~ne ''1V II\"C I V At"I"'L8~AN I 717 249 Ub39 717-249-0639 1-800-269-0173 717-240-2700 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE CUMBERLAND COUNTY ASSISTANCE OFFICE 33 WESTMINSTER DRIVE P. O. BOX 599 CARLISLE. PA 17013-0599 P. U 1 5 p.15 Stouffer BENEFIT O ASSISTANCE CHECK ELIGIBLE EL~JLE PENDING IYI MEDICAL = ASSISTANCE x Afler the first checK whicn may be a special amount you WOI receive $ o Twice a Monln 0 Once a Monlll 0 In Ihe Mall 0 At lIle Bank o You have a pallenl pay liability of $ for lIle period beginning and ending Effecllve Oale 1t.'YJ J03 O FOOD STAMPS Yau will receive $ a month lrom for tile momn(s) 01 lhen you will receive food stamps in lne amount of $ to 0 In the Mail 0 At the Bank ~ GROSS ul1LIn' COSTSiUTfl!TY STA"JOA~O* $. REiIlTlMORTGAGE $ TAXeS $ INSURANCE COST ON HOME $ TOTAL SHELTER COST $ "The household may switch between the actual utility costs and the standard utility al!owanci7 at the time of reapplication and one additional time during each twelve-month period. Level of care authorized . montn loward your care. MEO. SOC. ASST. SeRVICE ASST. FooO MED. SOC. CHECK STAMPS ASST. SERVICE 'Name Name $ $ $ Name Name $ $ $ TOTAL GROSS MONTHL V INCOME GROSS MONTHLY DEPENDENT CARE COSTS GROSS MEDICAL COSTS $ $ $ TOTAL GROSS MONTHLY INCOME GROSS MONTHLY DEPENDENT CARE COSTS $ $ Telephone Electric Gas Oil Water/Sewage Garbage/Trash Utility Installation Other D MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Name $ $ $ Name $ $ $ TOTAL GROSS MONTHLY INCOME NET MONTI-lL Y INCOMElNET SEMI-ANNUAL INCOME I INCOME UMfT CO RECORD NUMBER DIST dn(-r7,t j k d:ltL:lCe WOliter. Signature Telephone Number --, ~6 /O!.{ DSle /).4(;--').739 21 r OUCiCi f(;tf BA-RB4/fA .94l/ARIS; I'fZdtX~- CiNe.- qq.tJ t(jo!r"Ui:- I1fhffL- .lZd. {'arl.6!e- PA 17013 LEGAL HELP IS AVAILABLE AT L LEGAL SERVICES, INC. a IRVINE ROW CARLISLE, PA 17013.3019 717-243-9400 717-766-8475 .J If you do not understand our deCision or have any questions, contact your worker. CUENT COpy I{x pate/Time AUG-18-2UU5ITHU) 11:11 ~ug 18 05 12:29p A. E. Bo~ne Stouffer --- 717249 Ub39 717-249-0639 P. U I b p. 16 ."'~U1:' '.''<;J.' II t.?J(' Q. ..t..n :-'! l'Onru:. ~).rt. 1 r,,.., l.~~; .I" )(.r11.(.,.I,'A.,.- RECORD NUMBER qq /(;1{ INITIAL GROSS 55 to )03 Ho/rR 751.(){) JSllo3 01 10'1 HO/n HO/YR 167.t)() 7(c7f){) 3~J. 31 3~i. ~ Qu 6. JOTd.31 /r),?/.39 () () 107:),::1 I tJj?.31 ~ 3D, fJO 3f) . CO 0 () i Ol./:1, 31 .I{)5Y.31 -'-(i7iiiIofC '.. ~~/.;1 .. :S"'!J,-I--lm~(iic".4>I'hIt. l/3i.3;;/J io::/.5K/.vi:, 91(}.$ X'I lllilS. TOTAL ~S5 UNEARNED i 5/0.71 ESTIMATED INTEREST o TOTAL INCOME USED .. i5IC.v7/ - PERSONAL CARE ALLOWANCE ..30../)0 - COMMUNITY SPOUSE/ HOME MAINTENANCE o GRoss PATIENT PAY (53) 14.10. i71 - MEDICAL EXPENSES (See below) o LESS MEDICAL EXPENSES PAID MONTHLY NET PAT.IENT PAY {57) It../gO.7f MEDIC~ EXPENSES LISTED HO/YR MO IYR NO~: Future daaqa in meda e~ should be ~ed to tbe Nuniul F.dUty. DRUGS (54) MEDICARE (55) BC/BS/OTHER MEDICAL INS (55) OTHER MEDICAL (56) o o MONTHLY TOTAL rl~d OJ k'. <:bIaoUJ SIGNATURE tl.-/ 13/01 DATE REMINDER: ."----" The resource limit iS~/$2400. See attached Addendum Rx OatelTime AUG-!9-2005(FRI) 13:51 'AUG. 19. 2005 2: 56PM P. 002 NO. 0133 p, 2 ~ COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL July 8, 2005 Niki Ritter RR 2 Box 33-5 Loysville, Pennsylvania 17047 BUREAU OF FRAU D PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION POST OFFICE BOX 8041 HARRISBURG, PENNSYlVANIA 17105.8041 (717) n2-4935 RE: DPW # 21-0099164 Name: Barbara Saliaris Claim: $37,028.64 Dear Ms. Ritter: The Office of Inspector General has established a claim for incorrectly paid Medical Assistance Benefits for Barbara Saliaris. This claim resulted from Barbara Saliaris' unreported ownership and subsequent transfer of Capital Life Insurance, Wachovia Securities and Mellon Investor Services IRA accounts. The enclosed computation sheets show how the Office of Inspector General calculated the claim. Ms. Saliaris was authorized to receive Medical Assistance Benefits on October 1, 2003. To be eligible to receive benefits it is required that all resources and income be disclosed when applying for and while receiving Medical Assistance. On July 2. 20031 Wachovia Securities IRA #OUZ-R04419-36 was valued at $30,478.42; and Wachovia Securities IRA #OUZ-ROO812-36 was valued at $14,458.77. On July 3,2003, Capitol Life Insurance Company IRA #Cl131 073 was valued at $12,192.93 and Capitol Life Insurance Company IRA #CI09904S6 was valued at $14,458.77. On May 19,2004, Mellon Investor Services #OOl-750-S6501RIO was valued at $7,049.04. The surrender and transfer of these accounts totaled $82,366.69, which resulted in a 14-month period of ineligibility that caused Ms. Saliaris to be ineligible for all benefits received from October 1, 2003 through August 30, 2004. The total amount of benefits paid on behalf of Ms. Saliaris during the period of ineligibility was $37,028.64. As the amount of Medical Assistance was less than the amount of resources, our claim is for the amount of benefits paid on her behalf. The legal authority for seeking restitution for the amount of Medical Assistance paid by the Department of Public Welfare during the period in question can be found at 62 P.S. 1408 (c)(6)(i) which states the following: Rx Date/T i me AUG-] 9-2005 (FR 1) 13: 51 AUG. 19.2005 2:56PM P.003 NO.0133 P.3 Niki Ritter ~2. July 8, 2005 "If it is found that a recipient Or member of her/his family or household who would have been ineligible for medical assistance, possessed unreported real or personal property in excess of the amount permitted by law, the amount collectible shall be limited to an amount equal to the market value of such unreported property Or the amount of medical assistance granted during the period it was held up to the date of the unreported excess real or personal property is identified, whichever is less. Repayment of the overpayment shall be sought from the recipient, the person receiving or holding such property, the recipient's estate and/or the survivors benefiting from receiving such property. Proof of date of acquisition of such property must be provided by the recipient Or person acting on herlhis behalf. , ." Please make your check or money order in the amount of $37,028.64 payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and forward it to my attention. A self-addressed envelope has been enclosed for your convenience. Please be sure to have the DPW case identification number, 21-0099164, written on your payment. Payment is expected within 20 days from the date of this letter. If you do not agree with this overpayment, you have the right to appeal and request a fair hearing. To appeal, see the page titled "Your Right to Appeal and to Request a Fair . Hearing." If you have any questions or would like to set up a conference, I may be reached in Harrisburg at (717) 705-4638. Enclosures Rx QatelT i me 'AUG. 19.2005 RUG-19-2005(FRI) 13:51 2:56PM P. ODd NO.0133 p, 4 YOUR RIGHT TO APPEAL AND TO REQUEST A FAIR HEARING co, ~ORn NO. CLAIM NO. DATE OF LETrER 7/8/05 21 0099164 01 You lIS a medical assistance recipient, or you acting on behalf of a medical assistance recipient, haYe the right to appeal and tequest a fair bearing. You may use this form Or can me at (717) 705-4638 to appeal. You rnnst appeal this overpayment claim in writing within 30 days from the date of this letter or your appeal will not be accepted. If you call to appeal, you must also submit a written request to this office within 3 work days of the calL At the hearing, you may explain why you disagree with this OVerpayment claim. You may present evidence and witnesses on your behalf. You may represent yourself or have an attorney represent you. If you cannot afford an attorney and you qualify, free legal help may be aVailable at the address lisred in the block on the right. Legal Service Inc. 8 hvine Row Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 243-9400 HOW TO SUBMIT A WRITTEN RE lUEST TO APPEAL AND ASKJrOR A FAIR HEARING: 1. Explain why you are appealing. 2. Sign and date this appeal and fair hearing request form. 1 am appealing and Want a fair hearing because: - lOUR :)fUNAJ UKb .iWj,I~ UA'I'b l.ca....c.rttU~J)NVMl;IbK Al1'UoKN.tS1' oS .SJ(J1'IA.& ub W' ONb ~ KBPKr.:Sb.N"l~u YOU) 1)AU:~ AIIUKNJ:\~':J lhJ,J;,ti'HONbNVMlSbM. 3. You may choose the type of fair hearing you want from the following. You may have cithex- a telephone or face-to-face hearing. If you wanr a telephone hearing but do not have a telephone and cannot get one, we will SChedule the telephone hearing at your local county assistance office. If you want a face-to.face hearing, we will schedule One for you at One of the follOWing cities: Erie, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, or Scranton. 0 I want a face-to-face hearing. 0 I want a telephone hearing. Call me at 0 I need an interpreter. What language do you speak? 4. ~ this form to: Office 01 Inspector General BFPP, Centx'aI ~egional Office Attention: Jana l\:(. Parsons 101 S. Second St. P.O. Box 8041 Harrisburg, PA 1710S~8041 orG 614 . 9/03 . Rx. Oate/T i me AUG. 19. 2005 RUG-!9-2005(FRI) 13:51 2:56PM ...-I ~ ~ ~a l:>Il ~ i:QM reO cO 'I; ~ ~ - ~ ~ 5.0 'a .2 _ tl UO '"cl ~'<;t o '"clo eN 'i: 0 ~M e -; ,- bO C~ ell .e .. Cl ;j ';3 g,. Dl ~ ~ Z 0 ! ~> U.2:- - .a a~ Q Q ~ !t3 ... .~ ~a ';I t) ~~ :a ~ ~ la blI~ = ~~ ~ ~~ !~ ~ ~~ =.l ' I =.l Q .... ~ UN ~ ~ M 0 ~ - rI.l - CQ -+.l ~ .. 53 .0 =.l .s 5 ~ -.l ~ 0 ~ Q .. 2 .s ~ -a ~ fd .. lIS CI1 ~ ~ ~t.) .oS B M ~ S j; :::l ~ ell ~ N o =.l ai~ .~ CC ~ ~ ~ lXJ = oS in I:J CJ) A Q ~ = Z.tn ~ - oj 5'~ U u~ ~ ~ a s~~~~~~~~~~g~8ggg8ggggg88~~ ~ \d c-i -<i 00 -: 06"": c-i v)..,f M o~'~'d d do 000 ci 0 0 0 O~:oO I ~:X;QI~~~~;::;;~~~ ;;:..........~"'7~~""~~(09~~IN .-: NN~~~~~~~~~ ~~ a -~~~~....................~~~ . - s ~: ~ ~ I~' ,'. " 0 ~ f.. "'- lX) r"- ~ . ~r-- .~. 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I ~~ Rx ~ate/Time RUG-19-2oo5(FRI) 13:51 ..'AUG.19.20052:57PM P. 005 NO, 0133 p, 6 ; Office of Inspector General Long Tenn Care Transfer Computation Case Name: (Last, Fitst MI) Saliarls, Barbara CoJRecordlCat: 21.0099164lPJN MA Authorization Date: October I, 2003 Nursing FacilitylWaiver Program: Manor Care Carlisle MA Closing Date: IMCW Name: Holly Vogelsong Asset Descri_Jttion Transfer Date Equlty Value Capitolllie Insurance Co. July 8, 2003 $12,192.93 Capitolllie Insurance Co. July 8, 2003 $18,187.53 Wachovia Securities July 2,2003 $30,478.42 Wachovia Securities July 2, 2003 $14,458.77 Mellon Investor Services May 19,2004 $7,049.04 Total Equity Value: $82,366.69 Average Private Pay Rate at Application: $5,559.25 Ineligible Months: 14 Ineligible Period Begin: July 1,2003 Ineligible Period End: August 30, 2004 Claim. Period Begin: October 1, 2003 Claim Period End: August 30, 2004 Total MA Paid: Total Equity Value ot Asset: $37,028.64 $82,366.69 Claim AmouDt: $37,028.64 Agent Name: Agent Signature: Date: OIG 612.4. 3/03 . . SCHUTdER I BOGAR LLC attorneys & comultants Email: Direct Dial: clong@schutjerbogar.com (717) 909-5923 September 20, 2005 r-..:> ''J ~--',~ -) ~-~,.J r'~\.) Glenda Farner Strasbaugh, Register of Wills Cumberland County Courthouse 1 Courthouse Square Carlisle, PA 17013 -7"-=~ '.J C) co In Re: Barbara Saliaris Dear Ms. Strasbaugh: Enclosed for filing please find an original and two (2) copIes of a Petition for Accounting and Turn Over of Assets in the above-referenced matter. Kindly timt'.."- stamp the extra copy and return same along with the respective Citation so that w.~ may serve the Respondent in a proper and timely manner. Additionally, we are enclosing a check in the amount of $50.00 for the r~quired filing and Citation fees. If you should have any questions or require anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me at the number above. Thank you for your attention and assistance in this matter. I \~S.incerelY' ) U~Jr=E'l~ ~r;:. &,lg (j Paralegal Enclosures 441 Friendship Road, Suite 102, Harrisburg, PA 17111 . Fax (717) 909-5925 . www.schutjerbogar.com