When applying for Medicaid nursing home coverage, an applicant’s income and assets have to be under a restrictive cap to be eligible for the benefit. As part of the eligibility determination, the state Medicaid agency also looks back at any below market transfers that the applicant made in the previous five years and adds them back to a person’s current assets.
The information discussed and/or provided is not intended as legal advice and persons should not rely on anything posted on this blog. Please also be advised that no attorney-client relationship is established until the firm has been contacted by telephone and an appointment made to discuss your situation with us.
Differences Between SSDI and SSI
December 17, 2018
Both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are programs run by the Social Security Administration to provide financial assistance to disabled individuals.
However, the two programs serve two different sets of people and have different benefits and restrictions.
Revocable Living Trusts and Asset Preservation Trusts
December 7, 2018
Both revocable living trusts and asset preservation trusts can be useful parts of an estate plan. These types of trusts have some common features, but there are also important differences to keep in mind.
Dangers of Paying for In Home Care
November 12, 2018
People generally prefer to remain living at home for as long as possible before considering moving into a nursing home for more specialized care.
One way to put off the need for moving into nursing home is to receive in home care from a relative or paid specialist.
Limits of the Medicaid Primary Residence Exemption
November 6, 2018
In order to qualify for Medicaid nursing home coverage, a person’s total assets must be under a certain level. For many people, their main asset is their home. Under Medicaid’s asset cap, a person’s primary residence is exempt from the asset cap. However, this exemption is less valuable than it may seem at first glance.
Medigap Options and Future Changes
October 29, 2018
Medigap insurance plans are additional private insurance options on top of Medicare that cover health care costs that Medicare Part A and B do not cover such as deductibles, coinsurance for some services, and various copayments. Medigap policies are bought by individuals who either do not have an employer/union supplied Medicare supplement plan or do not qualify for Medicaid.
Changes to VA Pension Eligibility Rules
October 15, 2018
As of October 18, 2018, new rules will go into effect that will change eligibility guidelines for VA pensions. The changes apply to all types of VA pensions.
VA pensions are available to wartime veterans and their surviving spouses. The money is tax-free and can be used for any purpose. The Basic pension is available to wartime veterans who are either 65 years old, live in a nursing home, receive Social Security disability benefits, or have a total and permanent disability not related to military service.
Difference Between Guardianship and a Durable Power of Attorney
September 24, 2018
Both a guardianship and a durable power of attorney are tools that allow for someone to to protect the interests of person unable to act for themselves. Under both, the person exercising power owes a fiduciary duty to the incapacitated person to act in their interests. However, these tools differ in important, meaningful ways.
Differences Between Wills and Trusts
September 10, 2018
Both wills and trusts are documents that can direct how assets get distributed to a person’s beneficiaries. Depending on the situation, a person could have both a will and a trust as part of their estate plan.
Difference Between a Durable and a Nondurable Power of Attorney
August 23, 2018
A power of attorney is a document where a person names another person to act as their agent in certain circumstances described in the text of the power of attorney. The agent can then act on behalf of the person who signed the power of attorney, known as the principal, without needing any further input from the principal.
Martha C. Brown & Associates, LLC assist clients with Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Franklin County and the surrounding areas including Arnold, Ballwin, Barnhart, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Black Jack, Bonne Terre, Brentwood, Bridgeton, Cedar Hill, Chesterfield, Clayton, Crestwood, Creve Coeur, Crystal City, Des Peres, DeSoto, Ellisville, Farmington, Fenton, Festus, Ferguson, Florissant, Fredericktown, Frontenac, Hazelwood, Herculaneum, High Ridge, Hillsboro, House Springs, Imperial, Kirkwood, Ladue, Lake St. Louis, Manchester, Maplewood, Maryland Heights, Mehlville, Normandy, O'Fallon, Olivette, Pacific, Pevely, Richmond Heights, St. Ann, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Peters, Ste. Genevieve, Sunset Hills, Town & Country, University City, Union, Valley Park, Washington, Webster Groves, Wentzville , Wildwood.