Traditionally, Medicaid has paid for long-term care in a nursing home, but because most individuals would rather be cared for at home and home care may be cheaper, all 50 states now have Medicaid programs that offer at least some home care. In some states, even family members can get paid for providing care at home. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health insurance coverage to low-income children, seniors, and people with disabilities. In addition, it covers care in a [...]

Last Year for Couples to Use 'Claim Now, Claim More Later' Social Security Strategy This is the last year that spouses who are turning full retirement age can choose whether to take spousal benefits or to take benefits on their own record. The strategy, used by some couples to maximize their benefits, will not be available to people turning full retirement age after 2019. The claiming strategy -- sometimes known as "Claim Now, Claim More Later" -- allows a higher-earning spouse to claim a [...]

Last week, attorneys Greg Catarella & Jamye Lindsey presented to the Broome County Bar Association's "Elder Law 2019 Continuing Legal Education Seminar" on 'Medicaid Planning Tools' and 'Cautionary Tips from the Trenches of an Elder Law Practice', respectively. Thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge with the local legal community!

Last week, attorneys Greg Catarella & Jamye Lindsey presented to the Broome County Bar Association's "Elder Law 2019 Continuing Legal Education Seminar" on 'Medicaid Planning Tools' and 'Cautionary Tips from the Trenches of an Elder Law Practice', respectively. Thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge with the local legal community!

Protecting Your House After You Move Into a Nursing Home While you generally do not have to sell your home in order to qualify for Medicaid coverage of nursing home care, it is possible the state can file a claim or a lien against your house for the amount expended on your behalf while on Medicaid, so you may want to take steps to protect your house.  If possible, you should consult with your attorney before entering a nursing home, or as soon as possible afterwards, in order to discuss [...]