Tax Fraud or Medicaid Penalty?
Joe called me because he had just taken over Dad’s finances and the management of care from his brother, Jim. That’s when he made a discovery that troubled him and caused him to reach out to us. Dad was still living at home alone but his health was declining. Joe began
NY Times Article on VA Aid and Attendance – Just a Little Misleading (Part 2)
Last week I was discussing the recent New York Times article, which profiled a World War II veteran, Henry Schaffer. Mr. Schaffer, according to the journalist, paid a VA accredited attorney to get him VA benefits, only to find out that he doesn’t qualify because his income is too high.
NY Times Article on VA Aid and Attendance – Just a Little Misleading
Two weeks ago there was a front page New York Times article titled, “Winning Veterans’ Trust and Profiting From It”. The article profiled a World War II veteran, Henry Schaffer, who was told by a VA accredited attorney that he could qualify for a VA pension that would help him
Long Term Care Insurance Partnership Program – Frequently Asked Questions
Last week we were discussing the long term care partnership program which was reinstated as part of the last round of changes to the Medicaid laws in 2006. Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions. Purchasing a “partnership policy” allows you to protect an additional dollar amount in assets above the
What is the Long Term Care Insurance Partnership Program?
Is it possible to purchase long term care insurance and be able to protect more than the minimum number of assets that Medicaid allows to qualify for benefits? The question is a reference to something called the Long Term Care Partnership program. The partnership program is designed to encourage people to
New Medicaid and VA Figures for 2014
Many of the programs that, as elder law attorneys, we deal with daily, such as VA Aid and Attendance and Medicaid, are adjusted annually to account for changes in the cost of living ie. inflation. The Social Security Administration announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 1.5% in benefits starting
I’ve Been Named Agent Under POA – Now What Do I Do? (Part 2)
Last week we were talking about Harry and Wilma. They designated me as their agent under power of attorney, asking me to take over handling their financial affairs. They moved into a nursing home and I now had to figure out how to pay for it. Harry and Wilma were able
I’ve Been Named Agent Under Power of Attorney – Now What?
Recently, I was asked to serve as agent under Power of Attorney for husband and wife clients. We’ll call them Harry and Wilma. Both are in their 80’s and just moved to a nursing facility. As their legal representative, I will be doing the types of things that, as an
Lessons Learned from the Fight over Casey Kasem
Casey Kasem, the actor and radio personality best known as the host of American Top 40, a nationally syndicated radio program which aired in the 1970’s and 80’s, has recently been in the news for a different reason. His second wife and the children from his marriage to his first
Medicaid is No Piece of Cake (Part 2)
Last week we were examining Mary Jane’s problem getting Medicaid for her mom. Specifically, the issue was a joint account held by mother and daughter. Into that account, Mary Jane deposited her income which she used to pay for household bills, such as utilities, real estate taxes, homeowner’s insurance etc. She