SUMNER, Wash. – The family of a 98-year-old woman is outraged that after spending $300,000 at a local assisted living facility, she's about to be kicked out.

Cordelia Robertson ran out of money and the home, Franklin House,  will not take Medicaid payments even thought other residents are currently using the plan.

"She's comfortable with the place and they have been very good to her. I have no complaints with the staff itself," said Cordelia's son Gene.

Cordelia has lived there nine-and-a-half years, spending all of her live savings.

Gene says over the years, he's been repeatedly assured by management that Cordelia could stay at Franklin House when her money ran out and have Medicaid pick up the payments.

But now that Cordelia's money is gone, Franklin House, which is owned by Assisted Living Concepts in Wisconsin, is refusing to let Medicaid cover her costs.  It says families received a letter years ago warning that current private pay residents would not be guaranteed a room if they switch to Medicaid.

KING

98-year-old Cordelia Robertson is being forced out of her Sumner, Wash. assisted living facility because it won't accept her Medicaid payments.

KING 5 News contacted Laurie Bebo, CEO of Assisted Living Concepts, and she confirms they are phasing out Medicaid patients.

"I do understand that there are certain situations where people may be unhappy.  I believe we've been clear with people. I believe we've been communicating properly," said Bebo.

Ombudsmen like Louise Ryan say Cordelia's case is not unique and insists the elderly need some protection.

"They need to know when they move into a facility that they will have some assurance that you know, all things considered, they can stay there and that they're not at the mercy of corporate decisions that are made to please shareholders," said Ryan.

Right now, lawmakers in the state House and Senate are pondering these bills that would make this type of thing illegal.  However, even if this legislation passes, it will be too late to help Cordelia.

Assisted Living Concepts operates 21 facilities in Washington state.  They are more protections in our state for seniors in similar situations who live in nursing homes versus assisted living.