Texas Governor Allows Direct Family Access to Nursing Home Residents
Last month, Governor Abbott established new protocols to allow families to visit loved ones in nursing homes without social distancing restrictions – an effort to help improve the social, emotional, and physical needs of our nursing home residents. A resident at an eligible nursing home can designate up to two individuals who will be allowed direct access. Read the...Read More
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VA Benefits: Can They Help Pay for Long-Term Care for My Spouse or Parent?
Veteran’s Affairs (VA) benefits can help if your loved one needs long-term care. Depending on their specific needs, VA benefits may include disability compensation, VA pension, or long-term care assistance. The amount of the benefit can vary. It depends on what you can demonstrate as your needs, costs, and resources. It’s a good idea to have a professional help you get...Read More
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Living Well: Some Elder Law Considerations
Have you thought about what would happen if you got so sick you couldn’t communicate with your doctors? Would you be surprised to hear that thinking about such difficult questions, as where you would want the line drawn, between a life worth living and the other kind, can be rewarding? Here is why that process can be more beneficial than you might first imagine. Peace of mind Imagine...Read More
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The Importance of Long-Term Care Planning
Life expectancy in the United States has continued an upward trend over the last several decades. The average life expectancy for men is 76.4 years and the average for women is a healthy 81.2 years of age. What has not trended upward, however, is the number of people engaging in long-term care planning. The fact is, 63 percent of Americans age 65 or older will need either in-home nursing care...Read More
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New VA Aid and Attendance Eligibility Requirements Go Into Effect this Week
The Veterans Administration has announced changes to the eligibility requirements for Veterans to receive Aid and Attendance benefits. The two most significant changes the VA has added is a gifting penalty and a 36-month look-back period for gifts an uncompensated transfers. These changes go in effect October 18, 2016 Overview of VA Aid and Attendance Benefits Aid and...Read More
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Revisiting Jimmo v. Sebelius and the “Improvement Standard” for Medicare Coverage
If you or a loved one has been receiving Medicare to pay for skilled nursing or therapy care and Medicare suddenly stopped paying, you may want to appeal that decision. The wrong standard may have been applied to your case. JIMMO MEDICARE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT In 2013, the Jimmo Settlement Agreement had a profound impact on Medicare coverage. Before the Jimmo case, Medicare was cutting off...Read More
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How Are You Thinking About Long-Term Care Costs in Estate Planning
Long Term Care Payment Options Continue to be Limited The Wall Street Journal continues to report on the struggles of the long term care insurance market. Why is this important? Long term care insurance was viewed as the middle class solution to affording long term care. Without long term care insurance, options are limited for many individuals approaching retirement. Even with limited...Read More
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