Big Changes in the VA Aid and Attendance Program on the Horizon
Eligible wartime veterans and the widowed spouses of wartime veterans can qualify for a special pension that can go a long way towards helping to pay the skyrocketing cost of long term care. In many cases we can qualify needy applicants almost immediately even though they have assets greater
I’ve Got Power of Attorney – Why Do I Need Guardianship? (Part 3)
Last week I told you that we had filed an application on behalf of Catherine, who was seeking an appointment as guardian for her dad, Jerry. Catherine was very nervous that Jerry would fight it or that he would be angry with her for pursuing it. Nevertheless, she gave us
I’ve Got Power of Attorney – Why Do I Need Guardianship? (Part 2)
Last week I was telling you about Catherine and her dad, Jerry. As a result of a recent fall, Jerry was hospitalized. His health care directive, because it had been completed incorrectly, was useless and he refused to reveal to Catherine where his power of attorney could be found. We
I’ve Got Power of Attorney So Why Do I Need Guardianship? (Part 1)
Catherine called concerning her dad, Jerry. He had always been difficult “but Mom was able to deal with it”, she said. “Since Mom died, however, things have gotten worse.” Catherine faxed over to me her dad’s power of attorney and health care directive for me to examine. But the conversation
What Exactly is the Medicaid Penalty?
And how can it hurt me? Click on http://www.youtube.com/HauptmanLaw to see my answer.
A Muddy Medicaid Paper Trail Leads to Potential Financial Ruin (Part 2)
Last week we were discussing Gail’s difficulty getting Medicaid for her mom. She had spent down Mom’s assets but because there was not a clear paper trail, Medicaid was approved, but with a 6 month penalty. This meant that Gail would be on the hook for 6 more months of
A Muddy Medicaid Paper Trail Leads to Potential Financial Ruin ( Part 1)
Medicaid applications are getting tougher to get approved these days. Gail called us when Mom had just entered the nursing home after having lived with her for several years. Mom had 2 months of funds remaining. Gail called us to handle the Medicaid application. I told her we had to
Social Security – Take it Early or Not?
Much has been written recently about the pros and cons of taking Social Security early at age 62 vs. waiting till full retirement age (which gradually increases till it reaches age 67 for those born in 1959 and later). One article I read recently explains why it could be a
Is it a Gift or Theft (Part 2)
Last week we were discussing Rachel’s recent discovery that while her sister, Sara, was managing Mom’s finances, Sara was taking or being given – depending on which way you look at it – Mom’s money. Now that Medicaid was looking like a real necessity, Rachel was concerned, and for good
Is it a Gift or is it Theft? (Part 1)
It’s a scenario we’ve seen frequently of late. Mom’s mental health had been declining for some time. Rachel called because Mom’s savings are almost exhausted and she needs nursing home care. Rachel knows she must apply for Mediciaid. And then Rachel told me about her recent discovery. Rachel only in the