Arizona and Florida are the latest states to request a waiver from the requirement that states provide three months of retroactive Medicaid coverage to eligible Medicaid recipients. Medicaid law allows a Medicaid applicant to be eligible for benefits for up…
Medicaid has strict asset rules that compel many applicants to “spend down” their assets before they can qualify for coverage. It is important to know what you can spend your money on without endangering Medicaid eligibility. In order to be…
No one wants to think about his or her death, but a little preparation in the form of a prepaid funeral contract can be useful. In addition to helping your family after your death, a prepaid funeral contract can be…
More and more states are switching to a managed care model when dealing with Medicaid long-term care patients, a change that has resulted in a loss of services in some cases. Many states use managed care to deliver care…
In recent years, nursing homes have increasingly asked — or forced — patients and their families to sign arbitration agreements prior to admission. By signing these agreements, patients or family members give up their right to sue if they…
The phrase “life estate” often comes up in discussions of estate and Medicaid planning, but what exactly does it mean? A life estate is a form of joint ownership that allows one person to remain in…
Matthew Shepard, Communications Director at the Center for Medicare Advocacy shares the latest information on the “Improvement Standard” case (Jimmo v. Burwell, No. 11-cv-17 (D.Vt.)). If you are a Medicare beneficiary, this case could help ensure that you…
Recent changes to the Social Security retirement program will eliminate two claiming strategies that can possibly increase your rate of return. These changes will take effect for people who have not used them before April 29th. If you have not yet applied for Social Security benefits and could benefit from one of these strategies, you should get help from a qualified elder law attorney, such as Linda Strohschein and her team at Strohschein Law Group.
A lesson learned in Pennsylvania declares immediate annuities must still meet a number of stringent requirements to be accepted as legitimate by Medicaid authorities. Families considering them should get help from a qualified elder law attorney, such as Linda Strohschein and her team at Strohschein Law Group. This is an FYI for you to think about what long term care planning can put in place for you before you transfer assets to afford it. Call us today (630) 377-3241
As you get ready to turn 65, you may be inundated with information about Medicare. All this information is confusing, but it is important to do your research before choosing your plan. If you aren’t fully informed, you could end up making mistakes that will cost you down the road, particularly when it comes to how “Medicare Advantage” and “Medigap” plans interact.