Disabled Child or Not? Timing is Everything
The last 2 weeks we were discussing the transfer of a home to a child who has been living with the parent in that home. But, what about transferring the home to a disabled child? Isn’t that an exception to the Medicaid transfer rules? The answer is yes, but like all
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 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.
Why the Nursing Home Shouldn’t File Your Medicaid Application (Part 1)
Barry called me concerning his dad who is in a nursing facility. He had spent down Dad’s remaining funds. He paid the nursing home and set up a prepaid irrevocable burial trust as permitted by Medicaid. The facility said they would file the Medicaid application so Barry gave them all
Are You Making Gifts You Aren’t Even Aware of? (Part 2)
We were discussing Eddie’s problem last week. His Dad needs nursing home care and, at a cost of $11,000 per month, Eddie was concerned that there would not be anything left for Mom if he didn’t look to qualify for Medicaid quickly. However, the family was totally in the dark
The Right Way and the Wrong Way to Reduce a Medicaid Penalty
There are many reasons why the Medicaid program is so confusing to the general public. Perhaps, the greatest source of misunderstanding is the Medicaid penalty. And that mystification can cost literally thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Allow me to explain. The Medicaid penalty is actually a period of months
Can I Make Gifts this Holiday Season? (Part 2)
Last week we were talking about gift giving. Most people assume an elderly family member can make gifts without any tax consequences as long as it doesn’t exceed $13,000 per person per year. That’s true. However, it may very well cause a problem if you run out of money and
How the Medicaid System Differs From the Criminal System
“Mom and Dad have always been big believers in paying cash for everything. They don’t use credit cards”, John tells me. “Don’t buy on credit”, they always said. While that’s a pretty sound financial approach, it can get Mom and Dad into hot water when it comes