Estate Planning Articles
Some of these articles have been written by our law firm and other articles are written by the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and compliments of our law firm. Any feedback or questions about the articles can be addressed by contacting our office.
Medicaid Gifts to Children
Do the Medicaid gifting rules and asset transfer penalties have you confused? If so, you are not alone! Unfortunately, failing to understand the rules and penalties could result in your ineligibility for benefits right when you need them the most. The answers to several common questions may help you gain a better understanding of Medicaid’s rules and penalties.
A Nursing Home’s Take on the Need for Medicaid Planning
Nursing homes have historically resisted the concept of Medicaid planning based on the assumption that patients who engaged in Medicaid planning were trying to avoid paying their bills. In recent years, many nursing homes have started to rethink that position as they realize that Medicaid planning is often in their best interest as well as the patient’s.
How You Can Provide for Your Disabled Child and Still Qualify for Medicaid
Amy and David both need nursing home care as well as Medicaid’s help paying for that care; however, they have assets that exceed the program limit. The couple also wants to continue to provide financial assistance to their disabled adult son. However, they are concerned that the Medicaid asset transfer rules will prohibit them from doing so. The good news is they can continue to provide for their son and qualify for Medicaid immediately.
Is Your Real Property Safe from the Medicaid “Spend-Down” Requirements?
If you are not sure about Medicaid spend-down requirements, now is the time to find out! Waiting until the last minute could result in losing your property. Check today to know what real property is exempt in order to start receiving your Medicaid benefits as soon as possible.
Caring for an Alzheimer’s Patient— Can Medicaid Home Based Services Help?
Caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s takes both an emotional and a physical toll on the caregiver. It can also deplete the nest egg that took you a lifetime to save in a very short period of time. The Medicaid Home and Community Based Services waiver program may be able to help.
Traditional or Roth – Which Type of IRA Is Right for You?
Ideally, retirement planning should begin early in your life and should be part of your overall estate plan. Like many people, you may consider including an IRA in your retirement plan. However, is a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA more appropriate for you? To make an informed decision, you need to know more about both types of IRAs.
Medicaid Planning – Planning to Get Approved
There is a very good chance that you, or your spouse, will need long-term care at some point down the road. To help pay for that care you may need to qualify for Medicaid. There is a right way, and a wrong way, to approach Medicaid planning in anticipation of qualifying. The wrong way could land you in prison. Proper planning can protect your assets without jeopardizing your eligibility for Medicaid.
Will Baby Boomers Have Anything Left to Pass Down?
The Baby Boomers are reaching retirement. Some of them are financially ready for retirement; however, many are not. Even more have failed to plan their estate. No one likes to dwell on their own mortality, but failing to plan for it can have a significant financial impact on the next generation.
How Likely Is That To Happen?
Don’t leave your future, your children’s, or your estate’s future up to chance. Learn about the odds of incapacitation and death, and how a comprehensive estate plan can tip the balance in your favor.
