Social Security

Since long-term care Medicaid (which helps pay for skilled nursing care and medications) is “means-tested” (assets of the applicant are reviewed to determine if there is eligibility for the government to pay), there is a five year “look-back” period as there is a presumption resources...

Since the cost of long-term care (i.e., nursing home care or care at home, etc.) is so great (average monthly cost is in excess of $7,000 per month) and since most have inadequate income, resources and/or long-term care insurance to pay for such care, many...

The cost of long-term care is great (average is over $7,000/month in Texas). As a result, many apply for long-term care Medicaid for governmental assistance. It is not unusual for us to receive calls after either a facility or applicant has submitted an application and...

It is not unusual that a widow or widower or someone who is elderly meets someone later in life and enjoys their companionship and love or simply enjoys traveling together. Living together without being married use to be considered strictly taboo, but the potential financial...

Although the recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the US (“SCOTUS”) that there was no constitutional right to an abortion (and the case only dealt with abortion), Justice Clarence Thomas indicated in his decision that the constitutionality of same-sex marriage should also be reconsidered...

Originally long-term care Medicaid (which often helps pay for care at nursing homes, some assisted living facilities and care at home) was for the indigent. As we are reaching the silver tsunami, the long-term care Medicaid rules for eligibility become more important since most Americans...

A child often relies on his or her parents until adulthood is reached. So, does the child have a duty to support his or her parents if they are no longer able to provide for themselves? The answer may depend on where the child and...

Who says you can’t save more than the “maximum”? This case illustrates how you can protect more assets than the “maximum” pursuant to long-term care Medicaid rules. FACTS:        Wife, 70, has dementia and needs long-term care. She has no long-term care insurance. She receives Social Security of...

There are often misconceptions on some basic tax issues in planning (income, gifts, estate, etc.). The following describes some of the common issues where there is a lack of understanding. Trusts do not need a separate tax identification number if you retain enough control Since you retain...

There are a variety of public benefits programs ranging from taking care of drug costs to long-term care costs to assistance for food and shelter. Although some public benefits programs such as Social Security Disability and Medicare are not “means-tested”, eligibility for most public benefits...

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