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
Is There Any Gift Small Enough That Won’t Cause a Medicaid Penalty?
Whenever I explain how the Medicaid application process works, the toughest part is communicating to clients the uncertainty that exists because of the way the program is administered. And that can change at a moment’s notice so beware of what or who you rely on. Whenever I hear someone tell
Quite Possibly the Best Mother’s Day Gift Ever
Amanda was in an excited state when she called, wanting to make an appointment immediately for she and her mom. Amanda lives out of state but was coming home for Mother’s Day and would stay another day to meet with me. I calmed her down and asked her to share
Is Your Home an Exempt Asset Under Medicaid Rules . . .
or must it be sold and the proceeds spent down first? Click on http://www.youtube.com/HauptmanLaw to see my answer.
If We’re on Hospice, Why Bother with Long Term Care? (Part 2)
Last week we were discussing Carla and Dennis. Carla reached out to us, not really thinking we could help her, but because her friend kept urging her to call. Her husband, Dennis was on hospice and didn’t have much longer to live. But, in our conversation, I focused on Carla’s
If We’re on Hospice, Why Bother with Long Term Care Planning?
Carla called me only after much urging from her friend. Carla’s husband, Dennis, had lung cancer and it had spread throughout his body. The end of his battle was nearing and he had been approved for placement on hospice, an approach to medical care where the goal is to enhance
Is the Heat Really Off? (Part 2)
Last week we were talking about Charlie and Doris. We were in the midst of spending down assets and preparing to file a Medicaid application for Charlie, a nursing home resident, when he passed away. So no need to do anything further as far as long term care planning –
Is the Pressure Really Off?
Charlie had been transferred to a nursing home when his wife Doris called. Medicare was paying for his care but she had just learned coverage would stop in another week and the private pay cost of care was $11,000 per month. I could hear the panic in her voice when
An Abandoned Safe with $176,000 – Who’s the Rightful Owner?
Estate recovery is the process by which the State can seek reimbursement of Medicaid benefits it has paid during a person’s lifetime from assets of the probate estate after the Medicaid recipient dies. But, if one must spend down to less than $2000 what is left for the state to