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
Medicaid Is No Piece of Cake (Part 1)
Mary Jane told me, “Mom has no money. She’s never had any money. But Medicaid still denied her application and now I owe the nursing home $40,000.” I knew there had to be more to her story. Sure enough, there was. It’s a very common belief that, because Mom and Dad
News Alert – VA Rules Changes Coming
The winds of change are blowing over the VA landscape. I’ve written about this in the past and the time may soon be here.  These are changes that you need to understand. Over the years, many of our clients have been able to qualify for an Improved Pension (sometimes called Aid
Your Child is Turning 18 – What Does it Mean? (Part 3)
Last week we were discussing when it is appropriate for a parent to apply for guardianship of a child who turns 18. But, what if guardianship isn’t suitable? There is another option, called conservatorship. Conservatorship is sort of a middle ground between a guardianship and power of attorney.  There is no
Your Child is Turning 18 – What Does it Mean (Part 2)
Last week we were discussing an issue which many parents are unaware of, the fact that they no longer have the legal right to make financial and medical decisions on their child’s behalf once he/she turns 18. A power of attorney and health care directive can be a good solution.Â