Speaking for myself, I have emerged from the cocoon of pandemic quarantine, with mask on, and with relief that my family did not have to use my health care proxy, nor did I have to use my 90-year-old mother’s proxy, for medical decisions.I emerge and find a stack of reading material requiring my attention on [...]
The leading nonprofit advocacy group, New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) has released an update on the NYS Department of Health’s ‘guidance’ for applicants of home care/community Medicaid/MLTC.In April, the Governor signed into law a change to the program which provides home health aides (often called personal care aides here, on Long Island) for seniors [...]
Recently, I have been handling a Medicaid application for a senior who, sadly, must remain in a nursing home. His family includes his wife and an adult developmentally disabled child (both physically and intellectually) since birth. The clients’ disabled son receives services under OPWDD under Self-Direction. An individualized ‘budget’ was created for their son based [...]
A few legal updates for your consideration as we enter our new decade: Retirement The SECURE Act of 2019 makes important changes to retirement accounts. The age at which required distributions must be taken is increased from age 70 ½ to age 72 for persons who turn 70 1/2 after December 31, 2019. The Act [...]
Each day, I listen to my senior client’s stories. Some of my clients are older than Arlene, my 86-year-old mother-in-law, and some are younger. I am paid to give my clients legal advice, experienced counsel, and quality representation. I also learn from many of those same seniors. Arlene, however, has taught me the best lessons [...]
January 2019 Question of the Month: My family has been discussing organ donation. Some of us signed the back of our drivers’ licenses. Others have signed a health care proxy which directs our health proxy to make organ donation. Which is the right way to make sure our wishes to donate organs and tissue [...]
Last week I received a panicked call from my 90-year-old father and 88-year-old mother. They had just learned – by telephone – that their youngest grandson had been in a car accident after attending an out- of- state wedding; their 20 year old grandson had been drinking at the wedding and after he was taken [...]
November 2018 Question of the Month What is the best legal gift you can give your family? Beth's answer A health care proxy and power of attorney. Two examples: Mrs. H’s 32-year old son completed his MBA in economics and was employed full time by a reputable financial company. Then he suffered a traumatic vehicular [...]
New York State has approved senior ‘lock in’ to MLTC plans once the senior enrolls in the plan to receive care at home and/or at a social model day care program. The change goes into effect on December 1, 2018. As of that date, during the first 90-day grace period after enrolling in an MLTC [...]
October 2018 New York Law Update New York State has approved senior ‘lock in’ to MLTC plans once the senior enrolls in the plan to receive care at home and/or at a social model day care program (explained in my September 2018 Question of the Month blog). The change goes into effect on December 1, [...]