For 2025, the exemptions for estate taxes rise to $7.16 million for New York estate taxes, and to $13.99 million for Federal estate taxes. The annual gift tax exclusion rises to $19,000. If your estate is, or may become, greater than the New York threshold, early intervention can avoid the…
Spend-down. Look-back. Penalty Period. Uncompensated Transfer. These are just some of the terms Medicaid uses to determine eligibility for long-term care coverage. Medicaid is a combined federal and state program that pays for long-term care at home (community Medicaid) or in a nursing facility (institutional Medicaid). Asset, income and gift…
Biden-era legislatures are currently debating improving a Trump administration regulation associated with Medicare due to increasing pressure from Democrats. Also called a direct contracting model, the program implemented during the Trump administration lets private companies enroll in Medicare as health department members to revise and better care while keeping government…
Current federal regulations require Medicaid programs run by states to try to recoup the cost from estates of recipients who have since passed away even if the state would rather not pursue such recovery. Medicaid programs must pursue compensation for the cost of nursing home services as well as home…
It’s almost an understatement to say that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives and how we live in a range of ways. While Medicare did not pay for Covid-19 tests that were available over the counter, the Center for Medicaid Services is in the process of executing an effort…
Family members as caregivers overwhelmingly provide for elderly and disabled loved ones at home. Although a labor of love, taking care of ailing loved ones also has a market value, meaning that caretakers may be paid as a way to protect assets. Through the use of a Caregiver Agreement, also…
THOROUGH PLANNING NEEDED IN ADVANCE This blog has discussed the necessity of proper and thorough planning to ensure a smooth transition into a continuing care retirement community. This requires, among other things, that a person properly and legally transfer all of their assets, or a substantial portion of their assets…
SOME LIMITED RELIEF Patients who rely on Medicare sometimes experience sticker shock after being released from the hospital only to find out that because some hospital administrator classified their stay as “observational” that they must pay a large portion of the final bill. Many times a doctor will seek to…
The first part of this article explained that there are many programs and benefits available to seniors that live in New York. The second part of the article continues to explain various services that are available to the state’s elderly population. Temporary Assistance This program provides cash benefits for senior…
Elderly couples are divorcing at a higher rate than ever before for a surprising reason: soaring medical and long-term care costs. These expenses are being aggravated by longevity and uninsured risk from a lack of long-term care insurance. Although these senior couples still care for each other very much, the…