As we head into 2019, we thought you might enjoy taking a look at our six most popular blog posts of 2018.

 

Announcement: The VA is Making Big Changes to the Aid and Attendance Benefit (September 2018)

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced big changes to the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit. In its final rule published on September 18, 2018, the VA added a look back period for asset transfers, established net worth limits, and added new medical expense deduction limitations.  Read more…

 

Expert Tips for Georgia Medicaid: Three Ways to Protect Your House From Medicaid Estate Recovery  (July 2018)

A nursing home resident can own a home and still get Medicaid benefits. The home is considered an exempt asset. However, once the nursing home resident dies, the home can be subject to Medicaid Estate Recovery. There are ways to protect the home from Medicaid Estate Recovery. The rules are tricky, so be sure to consult with a knowledgeable, experienced Elder Law Attorney. Read more…

Expert Tips for Georgia Medicaid: Giving Your Assets Away and the Dreaded Medicaid Look Back Period  (July 2018)

In an effort to become eligible for Medicaid, some individuals would artificially impoverish themselves by giving away their assets to family members or to a trust in order to qualify for the benefits. Our federal and state governments responded by implementing a look back period to monitor and penalize any transfers that were made prior to applying for Medicaid. Currently, Medicaid looks at all transfers made during the 60 months prior to applying for Medicaid. They then penalize the applicant by not paying for their care for one month for every $6,707 given away. You can give away your assets and still qualify for Medicaid, but there are consequences. Be sure to consult with a knowledgeable, experienced Certified Elder Law Attorney. Read more…

How is Competency Determined by a Court?  (January 2018)

The Georgia code states, “The court may appoint a guardian for an adult only if the court finds the adult lacks sufficient capacity to make or communicate significant responsible decisions concerning his or her health or safety.” O.C.G.A. § 29-4-1(a). Fortunately, the courts must go through a detailed process in order to determine a person’s competency. Read more…

Expert Tips for Georgia Medicaid: How to Avoid the Medicaid “Death Bill”  (October 2018)

The rules for Georgia Nursing Home Medicaid eligibility are confusing.  We have tried our best to provide clear, concise information on our website and blog to help families understand their options and rights.  One area of Medicaid law that continues to confuse and scare families is the Medicaid “Death Bill.”  Otherwise known as Medicaid Estate Recovery, this bill is what Medicaid asks families to repay the state after a Medicaid beneficiary dies. There are always options for avoiding the Medicaid Death Bill, but it does require proactive decisions. The rules are tricky, so be sure to consult with a knowledgeable, experienced Elder Law Attorney.  Read more…

 

Expert Tips for Georgia Medicaid: Six Tips to Getting into a Nursing Home Without a Hospitalization  (September 2018)

Medicare requires that a person be hospitalized for at least three midnights before being eligible for short-term rehab (or sub-acute rehab) in a nursing home. What do you do if you need nursing home care for your long term care needs but do not need to be hospitalized or to receive any rehab services? Here are our six tips for finding a nursing home bed from home. Read more…

 

Each week we publish new, interesting blogs on topics that matter to older adults in Georgia. You can sign up to receive our blogs in your inbox by visiting our blog page.