Commencing January 1, 2019, there are new Medicaid amounts reflecting Medicaid eligibility. 2019 Asset and Income Allowances One Person Two People Income Level *including $20 unearned income disregard $ 879 $ 1,287 Medicaid Resource Level $ 15,450 $ 22,800 2019 Medicaid Transfer Rates for Nursing Home Care Monthly Rates Nassau and Suffolk Counties $ 13,407 New… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Elder Law
Featured Post:
Featured Post:
May is National Elder Law Month
Although the month of May is typically known for its celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, the Kentucky Derby, and Memorial Day, May is also known as “National Elder Law Month.” In 1963, President John F. Kennedy declared May to be Senior Citizens Month to honor those who are 65 and older. Since then… Read More »
Featured Post:
You Don’t Need to Travel to Our Office to Get Help
Unless you have a crystal ball, it’s impossible to predict what the future holds. Should you become unable to make your own decisions, it is imperative to appoint someone to take care of your affairs and make healthcare decisions on your behalf. Additionally, in order to ensure that your assets are passed on to your… Read More »
Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?
Generally, the answer to this question is “No”. However, Medicaid does have a program, aptly named the “Assisted Living Program” (or “ALP”) that does provide Medicaid coverage for an assisted living. There are a number of facilities in New York, and about a half-dozen or so on Long Island, in the ALP program. Most assisted… Read More »
Who Has The Right To Control What Happens To My Body When I Die?
The short, but perhaps not so obvious answer to the question “Who has the right to determine what happens to my body when I die?” is, YOU – provided you planned ahead of time. We advise many of our clients about the benefits of planning ahead for the disposition of their remains. Under New… Read More »
Do I need a death certificate to probate a Will?
The practical answer to the question “Do I need a death certificate to probate a will?” is yes. In a practical sense, the Surrogate’s Court generally requires a death certificate in order to probate a Will, as it needs the certificate to prove that the Testator is deceased, and that the court has jurisdiction over… Read More »
NAELA Attorney Receives Theresa Award
Tim has mentored and educated attorneys throughout the country to ensure that seniors and people with disabilities had, and continue to have access to qualified elder law and special needs planning attorneys. We thank Tim for his efforts on behalf of seniors and people with special needs. Naming him this Year’s NAELA Theresa Awards Honoree… Read More »
A Crucial Conversation & Decision: Tips for Talking with Aging Parents
There comes a time where a child or family member may need to have tough conversations with an aging parent or family member with regard to their driving and housing. While there is no clear scientific evidence that indicates how old is too old to drive, there is indeed a point in everyone’s life where… Read More »
The Importance of Elder Planning: Luke Perry
It was February 27th when Fox announced that the beloved 90s television hit, Beverly Hills, 90210, was picked up for a reunion series of six episodes. It came as a shock when, a week later, star Luke Perry, largely known for his portrayal of teen heart-throb Dylan McKay, passed away at the young age of… Read More »
Family Plan
Here at Russo Law Group, you are not just a client, you are family! Did you know that as a client of our firm you can give an immediate family member a “Family Plan” Coupon? We truly consider our client’s family, and our goal is to forge a bond with you and your entire family. … Read More »
Applying for Community Medicaid – Part 2: What Your Attorney Can Do
In my first blog in this series, I spoke about what a Medicaid applicant and his or her loved ones will need to do in order to ensure that their attorney has everything necessary in order to make a successful application for Community Medicaid (i.e. home care). Today, I will discuss what you should expect… Read More »
Applying for Community Medicaid – Part 1: What You’ll Need to Do
As the population ages and people are living longer than ever before, an increasing number of people find they need help at home. Because the cost of paying for home care privately can be impossibly burdensome, many families choose instead to apply for Community Medicaid (i.e. home care) to cover the cost. In order to… Read More »
When Should I Update My Estate Plan?
Many clients will ask the question, “When should I update my estate plan?” The answer is usually, whenever something big happens in your life. All too often, clients will execute a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Proxy, a Living Will, and a Last Will and Testament and believe they no longer need to… Read More »
Can a Bank or Mortgage Lender Call In the Mortgage if…?
… My spouse died, and I am the surviving tenant by the entirety of our house? … My parent died, and I am the surviving joint tenant of our house? … I inherited a house from a relative and now reside in it, and have been making the monthly mortgage payments? … I transferred my… Read More »
No, Your Living Will is NOT a DNR
Many individuals who seek counsel in our office come in ready to talk about a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). They believe it to be a document that allows them to forgo life support in the event of a catastrophic event. However, the document which lets an individual express their wishes to refuse treatment in the… Read More »
“Per Stirpes”, “By Representation”, “Per Capita”-What Do They Mean?
If you die without a Last Will and Testament or a Trust, the New York State laws of intestacy will govern the disposition of your property to your “distributees”, your closest living blood relatives (in priority order). However, if you execute a Last Will and Testament or a Trust, you can control the disposition of… Read More »
What if I Have a Contract to Reduce My Property Taxes, But I Want to Sell My Home?
A constant concern here on Long Island is the continued increase in Property Taxes and the ever-increasing cost of living. The application for state program real estate tax exemptions (such as Basic STAR, Enhanced STAR or Veterans exemptions) may help to ease the burden, but there are instances where homeowners may not be eligible for… Read More »
Can I get 24-hour Home Care?
With the Home Care industry already struggling to maintain proper staffing, and Medicaid restructuring their payment system a few years ago, the idea of getting 24-hour coverage by paying privately or through Medicaid has become cumbersome. As a result of a recent ruling focusing specifically on the wages that should be paid to a live-in… Read More »