If someone prevented you from seeing a family member for the holidays, failed to tell you a family member fell sick, or worse, failed to notify you of a loved one’s funeral, what would you do? Catherine Falk, daughter of the late Peter Falk, who portrayed Lieutenant Columbo on the TV series “Columbo,” faced these scary questions. Ms. Falk’s stepmother, who was Peter Falk’s legal guardian, failed to notify her …
A durable power of attorney and a healthcare proxy, also known as a medical by proxy, are legal tools commonly used when estate planning or in caring for another person. Although similar in that they each are the appointment of an agent to act on behalf of someone else, they have differences that set them apart from one another. What is durable power of attorney? In general, power of attorney …
By Brian Miller, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Chronic Medicaid vs. Community Medicaid in New York State Seniors who need long-term care should know that these services are not covered by Medicare, so they will need to either purchase long-term care insurance, pay out of pocket, or apply for Medicaid. In New York State, there are two different Medicaid programs: Community Medicaid, which covers care at home, such as a personal …
By Bernard A. Krooks, Esq. Recently, several clients have asked whether they could write their own will. I am sure that many more have thought about this, but haven’t asked. I think the better question to ask is: should you write your own will? After all, there are several online services available to help and how complicated can it be, right? Let’s discuss some of the things that can go …
By Bernard A. Krooks, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Challenges may arise if a person decides to write their own will. Lawyers do much more than draft documents. Lawyers make sure that the documents are drafted accurately and reflect your wishes and estate planning objectives. After all, once you are deceased it is likely too late to fix any mistakes you made in drafting your own will. There is however, at …
The difference between “home health care” and “non-medical in-home care” is not always clear, but it is a distinction with a big difference. “Home health care” is covered by Medicare, but “non-medical in-home care” is not. Senior citizens who fail to pay sufficient attention to which side of the line their in-home services fall may be in for a bad surprise when the provider’s bill comes due. Aside from mere …
By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP We all wish you a holiday season filled with peace, joy, and success. We recognize how difficult this season can be for those with disabilities or mental health challenges and for the elderly. During this time of year, especially, we remember all of those vulnerable individuals, particularly those who do not have the appropriate understanding, services, home or placement. At the same …
By Ryan J. Byrnes, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP In the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” when George Bailey stands on that bridge outside Bedford Falls, contemplating whether life for his young wife and five children really would be better without him, George has just one tangible asset: the $15,000 life insurance policy tucked in his suit pocket. Small-town banker George Bailey, a paragon of self-sacrifice and family responsibility, knew that …
Statistically, senior citizens are one of the happiest demographic groups in the United States. With age comes acceptance of one’s strengths and weaknesses, wisdom and an appreciation that each day is a gift not to be taken for granted. Gone are the days of competition, comparison and stress. Time opens up to allow more space for friends and family and diversions set aside earlier in life. In fact, some studies …
Medicare beneficiaries have a once-a-year chance to modify their drug prescription plans and switch to a Medicare Advantage plan for 2019. The 2019 Medicare Open Enrollment period is just around the corner. From October 15 to December 7, current Medicare beneficiaries will have the opportunity to change important aspects of their health insurance coverages. Now is the time to start thinking about 2019. Will this year’s coverages meet a beneficiaries’ …
