MEDICARE 2020 FIGURES MEDICARE PART A: HOSPITAL SERVICES Inpatient hospital deductible $1,408/illness Daily co-insurance $0/day 1-60 $352/day 61-90 $704/day 91-150 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Daily co-insurance amount $0/day 1 – 20 $176/day 21 – 100 Part A Premiums For those not otherwise entitled to Part A Benefits who purchase Medicare coverage Medicare Covered Employment –… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Elder Law
Featured Post:
Featured Post:
How Does the SECURE Act Impact RMDs?
The “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act” (the SECURE Act) is part of the spending bill legislation passed by Congress, which is now awaiting the President’s signature, effective January 1, 2020. The SECURE Act significantly changes the Required Minimum Distribution (“RMD”) requirements for inherited retirement accounts by delaying the required beginning age…. Read More »
Featured Post:
2019 Medicaid Update
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 »
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 »
Medicaid 2020 Update
MEDICAID 2020 UPDATE COMMENCING JANUARY 1ST, THERE ARE NEW MEDICAID AMOUNTS AFFECTING MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY. 2020 ASSET AND INCOME ALLOWANCES One Person Two Person Income Level *including $20 unearned income disregard $895 $1,304 Medicaid Resource Level $15,750 $23,100 2020 Medicaid Transfer Rates for Nursing Home Care Monthly Rates Nassau and Suffolk Counties $13,407 New York City… Read More »
Burial Place Wishes
Archbishop Sheen was known for his evangelism, radio broadcasts, and television show “Life is Worth Living”, which aired nationwide in the 1950s. For the last several years, Catholic dioceses have been at odds as to where his mortal remains should be interred. His remains have been interred in a crypt in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral since… Read More »
Social Security 2020 Update
SOCIAL SECURITY 2020 UPDATE SSI FOR NYS RESIDENTS Individual $870/month Couple $1,279/month MAXIMUM TAXABLE EARNINGS Social Security (OASDI only) $137,700 QUARTER OF COVERAGE Earnings Required $1,410/quarter SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY THRESHOLD Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Non-Blind $1,260 Blind $2,110 Trial Work Period (TWP) $910/month COST-OF-LIVNG ADJUSTMENT (COLA) For December (payable in January 2020) 1.6% MAXIMUM… Read More »
On Air with Marie Elena Puma
The Probate Process – What You Need To Know Marie Elena Puma joined Hilary Topper on her talk show, Hilary Topper on Air. During this show, Marie Elena discusses Frequently Asked Questions on Probate. Here are some of the questions she addresses during the show: What is Probate? When is Probate required? How to select an… Read More »
On Air with Eric Einhart
Guardianships: A Practical Explanation Eric J. Einhart joined Hilary Topper on her talk show, Hilary Topper on Air. During this show, Eric discusses Frequently Asked Questions on Guardianships. Here are some of the questions he addresses during the show: What is a guardianship? When is it needed? What does a Guardian do? What is the… Read More »
November Seminars: Elder Law 101
Wednesday, November 6 12:00-2:00pm Red Lobster 211 Old Country Rd #217 Carle Place, NY 11514 (Lunch) Register Here Tuesday, November 12 12:00-2:00pm The Irish Coffee Pub 131 Carleton Ave. East Islip, NY 11730 (Lunch) Register Here Seating is Limited. Online Registration Required. Register Online at vjrussolaw.com Contact: Ashley 516-393-3164
On Air with Frank L. Buquicchio
Trusts – Do You Need One? Frank L. Buquicchio joined Hilary Topper on her talk show, Hilary Topper on Air. During this podcast, Frank discusses how a Living Trust can be an invaluable planning tool. Trusts can be utilized for a myriad of reasons including avoiding probate and protecting assets from the cost of long term… Read More »
RLG Attorney Kim Christian Will Be Featured On The Boomer Buzz Radio Show!
RLG Attorney Kim Christian Will Be Featured On The Boomer Buzz Radio Show! Learn How Elder Law and Estate Planning can Protect You and Your Family. What legal documents do all seniors need? What can happen if you don’t have an estate plan? Should you give all of your assets away before you pass away?… 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 »