Currently there are more than 1.1 million Americans residing in nursing homes (over 19,000 in Connecticut) and it is estimated that more than 3,000 new nursing homes could need to be built to keep up with demand. Among the factors leading to the need for increased high-quality nursing home facilities and care are industry-wide staffing shortages, rising costs, and an aging (baby boomer) population. Consider these expected population trends and the nursing facility numbers in Connecticut and nationwide: The post 4 Things You Should Know About Today’s Nursing Homes appeared first on Connecticut ..read more

An RV (recreational vehicle) is a home away from home on wheels that gives you the ability to enjoy a romantic lifestyle of freedom and adventure on the open road. It’s a fabulous way to see the country, and often a cost-effective way to travel.  It is also, however, a potential liability when it comes to qualifying for critical SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and Medicaid.  The Problem: An RV Counts Toward Your Asset Limit (And Could Disqualify You from Receiving Benefits) The post Owning an RV Can Affect SSI and Medicaid Benefits appeared first on Connecticut Estate Planning Att ..read more

Being a caregiver to an aging parent is both an act of love and a journey of challenge. Even if your parent doesn’t have any major health issues, you will likely face a variety of situations that are entirely unfamiliar. It’s easy to end up feeling overwhelmed, out of your depth, and at a loss about how to make the right choices. And if there is a health issue or crisis, the stakes are that much higher, and the scenarios that much more complex.  If you have the means to pay out of pocket for supplemental support, a geriatric care manager can help alleviate your anxiety, cover gaps in your ..read more

No one looks forward to applying for Medicaid. It’s a complex and grueling process, the rules are always changing, and there are so many things that can go wrong. Unfortunately, as is often the case, there are companies that are only too willing to take advantage of this situation. These companies claim to be able to process your Medicaid application at a low cost.  But these non-attorneys may cause their customers great harm – putting Medicaid applicants at risk for a number of serious issues including denial of eligibility, severe tax liability, loss of spousal assets and other sit ..read more

Elder law attorneys are often asked by clients about the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. While the names of these government-sponsored programs sound very similar, each has a distinct purpose and serves a specific audience.  MEDICARE is a federal health insurance program. No matter what your income is, you can obtain Medicare benefits if you are 65 and over, or have a qualifying disability. The program is not free – you must pay part of the costs through deductibles for hospital stays and you must pay monthly premiums for coverage. MEDICAID is a federal and state financial assis ..read more

On March 31st, a change to Medicaid eligibility that was brought about by the onset of COVID-19, is scheduled to come to an end. A federal policy that had allowed states to temporarily suspend redetermination – the process by which renewal of Medicaid benefits for recipients is reconfirmed – will stop. Further, the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement will no longer be contingent to the end date of the COVID public health emergency. The post Beware: Changes That Could Affect Your Medicaid Eligibility if You Don’t Act appeared first on Connecticut Estate Planning Attorneys Blog ..read more

Transfers of assets generally raise a red flag when it comes to applying for Medicaid. They can trigger a penalty period, or a period of ineligibility. The good news is the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) will allow certain types of Medicaid asset transfers. For example, a family caregiver can be compensated for providing care to a loved one if the care they provide is necessary. The rationale is this: DSS recognizes that when family members pitch in and provide needed care for a loved one, they are helping that person delay or avoid placement in a nursing home. Making a caregi ..read more

By Esther Corcoran Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of growing older, as many people seem to think. It is a disease that impairs memory and intellectual abilities to the point where their daily life is being affected. When people notice things in their daily life changing, there are 10 early signs to be aware of and to keep into consideration before seeking medical help. 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. Memory loss is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially forgetting recently learned information. Other instances include forgetting important dates or events; asking for ..read more

Applying for Medicaid benefits can be overwhelming. Between the paperwork, the ever-changing rules and regulations, and the inevitable waiting game that you’re up against, there’s a lot you need to know. Here is information to get you started and hopefully, to make it easier for you. The post 5 Things You Should Know Before Applying for Medicaid in Connecticut appeared first on Connecticut Estate Planning Attorneys Blog ..read more

In 2022, Americans with disabilities will receive a significant increase in their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and in other Social Security benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, monthly SSI payments are going up 5.9%, a change that started as of December 30, 2021 for SSI payments and Social Security benefits paid in January 2022. The increase is a result of the yearly COLA (cost-of-living) adjustment and inflation and based on the Consumer Price Index determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. (The COLA increase is the largest since 1982!) The post Recipients of Soc ..read more