How We Can Help Our Veterans
As we take the day to honor our Veterans, both young and old, it is a good time to take note of how many veterans are in need of assistance. It has been a while since I have featured veteran’s benefits on this blog. Today is a perfect day to
HOW EDNA’S ESTATE PLAN COULD DESTROY HER FAMILY
Last week we were discussing how Betty’s estate plan actually destroyed family harmony. This week I’ll share with you Edna’s mistake, one that I see so often. Edna has 3 children, all of whom she loves equally. She came to see me because she wanted to discuss her will. She
How Betty’s Estate Plan Destroyed Her Family
If I have a will does it mean my wishes will be carried out and my property will distributed exactly according to my instructions? Not necessarily. That’s because not all property is probate property, automatically passed by way of a will. And when things don’t work out the way everyone
Can I Be Paid to Provide Care for Mom? (Part 2)
So, we were talking last week about a recent New Jersey case in which Daughter and Mom entered into a life care contract for Daughter to provide personal care services to Mom. Mom then applied for Medicaid and her application was denied. Mom appealed that decision and lost at the
Can I Be Paid to Care for Mom?
In times of crisis, families pull together. Long term care is no different. So much of the care is administered by family members. And it doesn’t take too long before the question is asked. “Can I be paid to care for my mom or dad?” A recent New Jersey case
Cuts in Prescription Drug Plans Coming?
Here in New Jersey our new governor, Chris Christie, is making some tough, and unpopular, decisions in an effort to close a huge state budget deficit. While I have written previously about his focus on reducing teachers’ pensions and benefits, a fight that is expected to continue, the latest changes
Obama’s CLASS Act – Good Idea or Wasted Effort? (Part 2)
Last week we reviewed the specifics of the new CLASS Act which is part of the new health care reform bill that passed through Congress and was signed into law by President Obama last month. CLASS attempts to provide coverage for long term care. But, is it going to have
Obama’s CLASS Act – Good Idea or Wasted Effort (Part 1)
Congress’ passage of President Obama’s health care reform last month has generated much controversy and fear, including, in some cases death threats against politicians in Washington who voted for it. I have been asked my thoughts on the long term care provisions contained in the bill, known as the Community
Multigenerational Households – A Long Term Care Solution? Maybe
An article in last Sunday’s business section of the Star Ledger, New Jersey’s largest daily newspaper, caught my attention. It discussed the rising trend of multigenerational households, highlighted by quotes from a few families in which adult children modified their homes so their parents could move in. Looking at it
If Dad Needs Nursing Home Care will the State take Mom’s Home (Part 2)?
Last week we ran through the basics of estate recovery, when the State will – and won’t – seek reimbursement for benefits paid out. This week we’ll look at how that process actually works in real world situations – and doesn’t work. For example, what does the “estate” consist of?