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Elder Law & Estate Planning
Planning Tips When Confronted with a Terminal Illness
The Special Needs Alliance’s new issue of The Voice® is written by fellow SNA member. Nicola Melby of McCarthy Summers Wood Norman Melby & Schultz, PA in Stuart, FL. The firm serves Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties in Florida in the areas of elder & special needs law, estate planning, guardianship, and wills…
Applying for Supplemental Security Income
By Brian L. Miller, Esq. What is Supplemental Security Income? Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program through the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities, low-income individuals over the age of 65, and certain blind individuals. To be eligible for SSI benefits, one must meet the following requirements:…
Medicaid Recertification
By Joel Krooks, Esq. Prior to March 2020, Medicaid recipients had to recertify for Medicaid every year. However, from March 2020 to March 2023, Medicaid cases were automatically extended because of COVID-19 and the public health emergency. The public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023, and as recently as March 2023, Medicaid has been…
Special Needs and Elder Law Proposed Legislation of Interest
By: Amy C. O’Hara, CELA I recently attended the Special Needs Alliance meeting. The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is a national organization comprised of attorneys committed to the practice of disability and public benefits law. This organization is by invitation only of which I have the privilege of serving as President Elect of their Board…
Estate Planning for the Special Needs Family
By Amy C. O’Hara, CELA Estate planning is important for every family for several reasons, however, it becomes critical if you have a child with a disability. In creating a well thought out estate plan you can ensure your child is protected both financially and personally. Part of your plan will include designating a guardian…
SECURE ACT 2.0
By Joel Krooks, Esq. On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed SECURE 2.0 Act into law. SECURE 2.0 builds on the SECURE Act that was enacted in 2019 and continues to change retirement plans for individuals. Increase in the Age for Required Minimum Distributions: SECURE 2.0 increases the age individuals begin taking required minimum distributions…
New York Medicaid Increases the Asset and Income Limits in 2023
By Brian L. Miller, Esq. Beginning January 1, 2023, New York State will increase its asset and income limits for Disabled, Age 65+ and Blind (DAB) Medicaid applicants and recipients seeking long-term care benefits. Changes to Asset Limits: For both community and nursing home Medicaid applicants and recipients, the available asset limit will increase to…
Understanding NYC’s Directive on Involuntary Treatment for Individuals with Mental Illness
By Nicholas N. Khayumov, Esq. On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams issued a directive to give the police increased authority to assist the rising homeless population in New York City who have apparent mental health issues and are not receiving adequate treatment. According to news reports, the city has seen an increase in…
New Legislation Strengthens Support For Older LGBTQ New Yorkers
By Brian L. Miller, Esq. Legislation was recently signed into New York State law broadening the term “greatest social need” as it pertains to the Older Americans Act of 1965 (“OAA”). The OAA is a Federal Act established authority for the federal government to make grants to states for community planning and social services, research…
Medicare Fees to Decrease in 2023
By Brian L. Miller, Esq. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that there will be a decrease in the cost of monthly premiums for Medicare Part B in 2023. Monthly premiums for Medicare Part B, which covers routine doctor visits and outpatient care, is scheduled to decrease by 3%. Currently, the…
