Should I Worry about Medicaid Estate Recovery?

Should I Worry about Medicaid Estate Recovery? What is It? The Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP) may be used to recoup costs paid toward long-term care. It’s designed to help make the program affordable for the government, but it can…

I’m NOT in a Low-Income Bracket, I Couldn’t Possibly Qualify for Medicaid, Think Again!

May 19, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney

I’m NOT in a Low-Income Bracket, I Couldn’t Possibly Qualify for Medicaid, Think Again! I’m NOT in a Low-Income Bracket, I Couldn’t Possibly Qualify for Medicaid, Think Again! Think you make too much money to be eligible for Medicaid? Have…

The Current State of Medicaid Work Requirements

March 31, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid, Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, Medicaid Planning

The Current State of Medicaid Work Requirements Former President Trump made it very clear during his presidency that he supported Medicaid work requirements. Indeed, the former Administrator for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Seema Verma, under Trump’s administration,…

Protect Your Estate from Nursing Home Costs

February 13, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning

No one wants a nursing home but the longer we live, the higher the chance we may need a nursing home at the end of life.

How to Plan for Spouse’s Medicaid

February 1, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning

When a spouse enters a nursing home, the cost of care can be financially devastating. Many families are simply unable to afford long-term care without applying for Medicaid.

How Do You Keep Inheritance Money Separate?

Everything each spouse earns during their marriage is community property. Fortunately, a gift or inheritance is separate property. However, that’s only half the battle.

How Does Family Pay for Parents’ Care?

January 25, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

More than 53 million Americans are unpaid caregivers for family members. The majority are women—often, an adult daughter who lives closest to an aging parent starts out helping with daily activities. As the parent/care recipient requires more assistance, the daughter cuts back on work hours– risking her own financial security.

How Can I Easily Pass My Home to My Only Child?

January 14, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

I am a single retired parent to an adult daughter, who is an only child. The home I currently reside for the last 26 years still has a mortgage and the deed is in my name only. I have a will that states everything is left to my daughter, and then to my grandson, if she proceeds me in death. Should my daughter be added to the deed?

SECURE Act has Changed Special Needs Planning

January 11, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

An applicable multi-beneficiary trust can solve some--but not all--of the challenges that the new act presents.

How Do I Plan for a Loved One with Special Needs?

December 15, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship

It is critical that parents and grandparents give careful thought to any gift of money or bequest in an estate plan, when the recipient has special needs.