OK, I Can Keep My Home – But Can I Sell It?
A very common question I get from clients and prospects in the following situation. We are working towards qualifying Betty’s husband, Joe, for nursing home Medicaid. I explained to Betty that as long as she is living in the marital home she can keep it. But she will lose some
“But We Did Exactly What the Medicaid Caseworker Said”
So many ways to get tripped up by the Medicaid system. Here’s yet another one. John was agent under power of attorney for his mom who was in a nursing facility. Over the past 3 years he had spent Mom’s money down for her care and then applied for Medicaid.
Obamacare – What Seniors Need to Know (Part 2)
So, last week we were discussing the highlights of President Obama’s health care plan that most affect seniors. The closing of the infamous prescription drug donut hole is one. But there are others. Beginning in 2011 Medicare Advantage plans will have to reduce members’ out of pocket expenses for some more
Do We Lose Benefits When Veteran Dies While Claim is Pending?
This is a common enough scenario, especially when it seems that the VA is taking longer to process claims than ever before. As with most VA questions, however, the answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the facts of the particular situation. But first let’s review. Specifically,
Elder Law Today Podcast Show #18 Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing care retirement communities can be a great option for many people. I can move into one community that can meet all my needs, from independent housing to assisted living to nursing home care as I need it. In Show 18 of his monthly elder law podcast, Yale Hauptman, a practicing elder law attorney,
Elder Law Podcast Show #17 Why Do I Need a Will
The law allows every person to distribute property according to their wishes by a written instrument known as a Last Will. However, many people never execute one and miss that opportunity, the consequences of which can be devastating to loved ones. In Show 17 of his monthly elder law podcast, Yale
Elder Law Today Show #16 Mom is Not Capable of Handling Her Affairs – When is a Guardianship Appropriate
Mom is unable to handle her affairs and either canât or wonât accept assistance from other family members. Or maybe one child lives close by and is taking advantage of mom and other family members, who live a distance away, are frustrated in their attempts to protect mom. Is guardianship
Elder Law Today Podcast Show #15 – You Have Spent Down all Your Money and Still Can Not Get Medicaid How Could This Happen?
You've spent down the remaining assets on Mom's care and have no more money left. You apply for Medicaid but are told, "Sorry, Mom is not eligible for another 8 months." How could this happen? What can you do to avoid this horrific outcome? In Show 15 of his
Elder Law Today Podast Show #14 Married Couple – Crisis Long Term Care Planning
So after listening to Show 13 you're thinking, we should have taken action immediately after Dad's diagnosis but didn't so now what do we do? In the 14th installment of his audio podcast, Yale Hauptman discusses just that scenario, crisis planning. Although the picture is more complicated all hope is
Elder Law Today Podcast Show #13 Married Couple – Early Action Long Term Care Planning
In the first show of Season 2 of his Elder Law Today Podcast, by listener request, Yale Hauptman has modified the format and shortened the length of his audio podcast. In a concise 10 minutes, Yale presents a common scenario that many families today are faced with. Dad has just recently been diagnosed with early