In November 2009, the National Alliance for Caregiving, an independent nonprofit coalition based in Bethesda, Md., conducted a study of caregiving in the U.S. The survey, conducted in collaboration with AARP and funded by the MetLife Foundation, found that the number of Americans who look after a disabled person age 50 or older had jumped 28% since 2004 to 43.5 million. » Full Article
When Sandra M. Radna bills a client, she doesn’t skimp on details.
Instead of merely listing “wrote letter,” she will mention who the letter was to and what it was regarding. “This way, clients will know exactly what they’re getting charged for,” said Radna, a partner in the Northport-based law firm Radna & Androsiglio, whose practice includes personal injury and matrimonial law. » Full Article
When someone passes away, there are many questions left
unanswered, none more important than who will arrange the funeral and be held responsible for the ever increasing expenses.
Since 1997, however, more and more individuals have been prepaying for their own funerals - removing a huge burden from their loved ones after they are deceased. » Full Article
The parents of children with no learning or developmental disabilities usually try to save for their college educations, and maybe, if they have the money, their weddings and down payments on first homes.
When children have a learning or developmental disability such as autism, the saving situation is much different and the government plays a much bigger role, said Vic LaPoma, a financial planner at the Center for Wealth Preservation in Syosset. » Full Article
Medicaid allows a single person living in the community to keep $720 a month of gross income and a married couple $920 a month. More income can be kept if it is used to pay for certain items i.e, medical expense, medical insurance, or of it is contributed to certain types of Trusts, one of which is the Pooled Income Trust. » Full Article
Medicaid requires that persons requesting Community or Home Care Medicaid assistance "spend down" any income above the Medicaid levels. In 2006, this level is $692 for singles, $900 for couples, plus a $20 income disregard. After Medicare Part B and other health insurance premiums are paid from gross income, any amounts above this level are considered excess income and are part of the "spend down."» Full Article (PDF 324 KB)
On July 20, New York’s Department of Health issued an Administrative Directive notifying social services districts of the eligibility changes under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. The Act significantly changed Medicaid rules, having an unfortunate impact on individuals and families seeking to apply for Medicaid. » Full Article
Gubernatorial Candidate and Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi scored a bit of press when announcing that the county successfully sued persons who had assets over a million dollars, but used “spousal refusal” so that their spouse would qualify for Medicaid to avoid nursing home costs that can exceed $10,000 per month on Long Island. » Full Article
On February 1st, Congress passed draconian Medicaid cuts, as part of the 2005 Budget Reconciliation Act, designed to cut the federal budget deficit by $39.7 billion. The changes to Medicaid eligibility, which went into effect on February 8th, will have a significant impact on Long Island’s aging population. » Full Article
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