Most people wish to leave the valuable assets they acquired over the course of a lifetime, such as real estate and savings, to the next generation. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is by setting up a trust. A trust is a financial arrangement between three parties. In a typical trust the […]
Category Archives: Elder Law, Medicaid, VA Benefits
How to Recertify for Medicaid
Medicaid is a government program that provides millions of Americans with health coverage and other benefits including nursing home care. The recipients of Medicaid include the elderly, disabled and low-income adults, pregnant women and qualifying children. Many of the services provided by Medicaid, such as doctor or hospital visits, nursing home stays and medicine, are […]
How Long Should I Keep These Documents?
In this day and age, it’s not uncommon to become inundated with bank stubs, receipts from purchases and other documents or scraps of paper of varying importance. While we cannot (and should not) hold on to everything, understanding which documents should be kept secure and safe and which documents can be replaced or are unnecessary […]
Florida Medicaid Spend Down Programs Reduce Excess Assets
When you apply for Medicaid, the state will review your financial records for the previous five years. That means that you may need to have a plan in place for your assets at least five years before you apply for Medicaid. This 5-year look-back period means you cannot just give away your assets or sell them for less
An Elder Law Attorney Can Help You Apply for Medicaid
Many people put off estate planning and find themselves unable to get help when they need it. When a person loses their mental capacity, planning options are limited. Planning ahead for long term care needs, including Medicaid eligibility, helps ensure your spouse and family will continue to have financial stability if you need long-term care.
Special Needs Trust Trustee Responsibilities
Being named trustee of a special needs trust is a great honor as well as a huge responsibility. Whether you are seeking a trustee or thinking about accepting a request to act as one for a family member, your first move should be to contact an experienced special needs and elder law lawyer.
How the Changes to Retroactive Medicaid Affect You
In 2018, lawmakers changed the retroactive eligibility for those who qualify for Medicaid from 90 days to 30 days. This dramatic change is expected to affect thousands of Floridians.
Six Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Florida Nursing Home for a Family Member
Choosing a nursing home for an elderly loved one is one of the most difficult and important decisions a family member can make. Ask these six questions before finding an elder care facility for your loved one.
Understanding Florida ABLE Accounts
Have you made your 2018 resolutions? They may include losing weight, exercising more, eating healthier or quitting smoking. Why not consider kick starting 2018 with a resolution to review your existing estate planning documents?
Nursing Home Evictions: Can you be Kicked-Out of the Nursing Home?
No one wants to live in a nursing home. But, for many people it may become necessary at some point in life. For those who do become residents of a nursing home, it is important to understand nursing home transfer and discharge rights to ensure the best care possible.