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 »
Can I Fight a Nursing Home Discharge?
It can be extremely upsetting to be told by a nursing home that your loved one must leave. Unfortunately, sometimes a nursing home will have an ulterior or nefarious reason to want to discharge a resident from the facility. Perhaps the resident is difficult. Or maybe the family members are being difficult. It may even… Read More »
Just Released—New York Elder Law and Special Needs Practice, 2019 Edition
I am excited to announce the release of an updated and expanded edition of my book, New York Elder Law and Special Needs Practice, which, much to my delight, has been and continues to be a working tool for many elder law and special needs practitioners. The new edition addresses the planning needs of everyone… Read More »
Do I Need a Power of Attorney?
YES, YES, YES! If you are over the age of 18 (and chances are if you’re reading this you are), you should have a power of attorney. Unless you would rather leave it up to a judge. A power of attorney is a legal document where you are giving your agent(s) the power to sign… Read More »
Are Gifts Made During My Lifetime Includible In My Estate For Estate Tax Purposes?
The answer to the question “Are gifts made during my lifetime includible in my estate for estate tax purposes?” depends on several factors. Federal For purposes of the Federal Estate Tax, yes, any taxable gifts you make during your lifetime are includible in your estate. However, this does not necessarily mean that those gifts… Read More »
Seminar: How to Qualify for Medicaid and Protect your Assets
Join Vincent J. Russo for this Free Educational Seminar and Learn: How to Access Quality Long Term Care How to Pay for Long Term Care How to Protect your Assets and Income What will Happen if you Don’t have a Plan Date: Jul 17, 2019 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Location: Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant… Read More »
What are Letters Testamentary?
Sometimes when a loved one passes away, an individual who believes he or she inherited assets from the decedent will be told at a bank or financial institution that they will need “Letters Testamentary” in order to collect those assets. The question most people have at that point is “What are Letters Testamentary?” Letters… 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 »