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The public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023, and as recently as March 2023, Medicaid has been sending Medicaid recipients a recertification application. The automatic renewal is has ended. Medicaid recipients must submit the recertification with the required documentation on time or else Medicaid can be discontinued. For anyone who applied for Medicaid during the public health emergency, this will be the first time they need to recertify, and this may come as a surprise to many Medicaid recipients.
Elder Law & Estate Planning

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…

Here at Littman Krooks we are special needs attorneys and are here to help you with all of your planning needs. Here are a few reasons why special needs attorneys are important.
Special Needs Planning

Why Using a Special Needs Attorney is Important

By: Amy C. O’Hara, CELA Special needs attorneys are important because they provide legal assistance and guidance to individuals with disabilities and their families. They have skilled knowledge and experience in disability law, which includes a complex set of federal and state laws, regulations, and court decisions that govern the rights of people with disabilities.…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protects the rights of students with disabilities and requires the appropriate local agencies to identify, evaluate and refer children suspected of having a disability to determine eligibility for services. The IDEA protects students up to age 21 and in some cases, older.
Guide to Being a Parent of a Special Needs Child

What Parents Need to Know about the Special Education Process: 5 to 21

By Marion M. Walsh, Esq. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protects the rights of students with disabilities and requires the appropriate local agencies to identify, evaluate and refer children suspected of having a disability to determine eligibility for services. The IDEA protects students up to age 21 and in some cases, older. Transition to Committee…

Littman Krooks is proud to be a Bronze sponsor of NAMIWalks Westchester.
Special Needs Planning

LK Honors Mental Health Awareness Month and Sponsors NAMIWalks 2023

By Marion M. Walsh, Esq. May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Littman Krooks is proud to be a Bronze sponsor of NAMIWalks Westchester. The walk will be held on Saturday, May 20th at 9:00 a.m., at Ridge Road Park, Hartsdale, New York, the future site of the Westchester Healing Garden. NAMI is a grassroots organization…

When a child turns 18 years old, under the law the child becomes a legal adult. This can be a stressful time for parents of children with special needs. Without guardianship in place or advance directives, it may become difficult for parents to continue advocating for their children. Parents with children with special needs have two options.
Guide to Being a Parent of a Special Needs Child

17-A Guardianship and Advance Directives for Young Adult Children

By Joel Krooks, Esq. When a child turns 18 years old, under the law the child becomes a legal adult. This can be a stressful time for parents of children with special needs. Without guardianship in place or advance directives, it may become difficult for parents to continue advocating for their children. Parents with children…

National Autism Awareness Month raises public awareness about autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) during the month of April.
Special Needs Planning

April is Autism Awareness Month

By Jessica Saio, Law Clerk National Autism Awareness Month raises public awareness about autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) during the month of April. One of the many ways support is shown worldwide is through the Light it Up Blue campaign, initiated by the United Nations and nonprofit organization, Autism Speaks. Each year on April 2,…

The following is a summary of current bills the SNA is tracking which may benefit individuals with disabilities, and aging clients.
Elder Law & Estate Planning

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…

Here is a basic roadmap, in general for ages birth to 5, on the special education process.
Guide to Being a Parent of a Special Needs Child

What Parents Need to Know about the Special Education Process for Young Children: Birth to 5

By Marion M. Walsh, Esq. When parents suspect that their child may have a disability, the process can be daunting and filled with many emotions. Some parents learn that their child has a disability at or near birth. Others suspect a disability when their child does not meet early developmental milestones. If you or a…

Congress approved the ABLE Age Adjustment Act which expands eligibility for ABLE accounts by increasing the qualifying disability age from 26 to 46.
Special Needs Planning

New Expansion on ABLE Eligibility

By Jessica Saio, Law Clerk This past December, Congress approved the ABLE Age Adjustment Act which expands eligibility for ABLE accounts by increasing the qualifying disability age from 26 to 46. This allows more individuals with disabilities to work and save money without the risk of losing government benefits. What is an ABLE Account? ABLE…

Estate planning is important for every family for several reasons, however, it becomes critical if you have a child with a disability.
Elder Law & Estate Planning

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…