Today marks a significant transformation for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries as the Social Security Administration (SSA) implements new rules that overhaul how rent subsidies and food assistance are handled. These changes will expand eligibility for SSI, increase monthly benefit amounts for many recipients, and simplify the application and maintenance processes. Key Highlights of the New SSI RulesExclusion of Food from ISM Calculations: Starting today, the SSA will no [...]

By David O’NeillA skilled and experienced Elder Law Attorney at LG&T can help you and your family navigate the complexities of a Medicaid application for a resident of a nursing home in New York State.   In order to qualify for Medicaid to assist in paying for the cost of a nursing home, an applicant must meet certain eligibility requirements for his or her “resources” and “income”.  The Medicaid rules differentiate between exempt assets and countable [...]

The number of older Americans with student loan debt – either theirs or someone else’s -- is growing. Learning how to deal with this debt is now a fact of life for many seniors heading into retirement. According to a study by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the number of older borrowers increased by at least 20 percent between 2012 and 2017. Some of these borrowers were borrowing for themselves, but the majority was borrowing for others. The study found that 73 percent of [...]

Nursing home residents do not automatically have to sell their homes in order to qualify for Medicaid, but that doesn't mean the house is completely protected. The state will likely put a lien on the house while the resident is living and attempt to recover the property after the resident has passed away. Medicaid will not count a nursing home resident's home as an asset when determining eligibility for Medicaid as long as the resident intends to return home.  In addition, the resident's [...]

After small or no increases the past couple of years, Medicare’s Part B premium will rise sharply in 2020. The basic monthly premium will increase $9.10, from $135.50 a month to $144.60. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the premium increase on November 8, 2019. Not everyone will pay the whole increase, however. Due to a "hold harmless" rule around 70 percent of Medicare recipients' premiums will not increase more than Social Security benefits, and Social [...]