Last week we shared information about the revelations in the New York Times that efforts to curb New York Medicaid costs have been less than successful–mostly because of expanded enrollment in certain programs, like senior day care centers. These assistance centers are locations where frail and sometimes vulnerable elderly community…
A New York Times article this week took a look at the consequences of a Medicaid change engineered by Governor Cuomo in the hopes of saving money: switching to “managed-care” for NY Medicaid programs. The basic idea is straightforward: switch from paying providers a “fee for service” and instead make…
As most know, the March 1st “sequester” cut deadline came and went without much serious action by policymakers to avert the automatic cuts. This was not unexpected considering policymakers have been very far off on goals for a compromise and because the $85 billion in first year cuts will not…
It is not easy for many local residents to understand all of the ins and out of the Medicaid program. While Medicaid is a critical tool that provides support for local seniors who need long-term care, it can be a whirlwind of stress, anxiety, and frustration when families attempt to…
Speculation was rampant over the past year regarding exactly how full implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (Obamacare) would actually affect the current healthcare programs, like Medicare and Medicaid. Now, with President Obama’s re-election in place and the long-term security of the ACA secure, we are beginning to see…
One question many New York seniors (and their loved ones) considered during the presidential campaign was how each candidate’s election might affect programs like Medicare and Medicaid. While it is hard to say with certainty what changes, if any, will be made to these areas, much of the discussion between…
Elder law attorneys and senior care advocates frequently remind community members of the value of long-term care insurance (LTCI). The New York legal professionals at our firm advise those who we are assisting with elder law estate planning of the immense value of having this insurance in place so that…
In the back-and-forth of the presidential debates and the obviously skewed TV ads, it is hard for local seniors to make heads or tails of the different proposals that candidates have on the Medicare and Medicaid system. Millions of New Yorkers rely on the programs for their healthcare and long-term…
It is perhaps every senior’s worst nightmare: a dispute over their finances influences the care they receive in their later years. It seems self-evident that nothing should get in the way of making medical and caregiving decisions based on maximizing a senior’s quality of life–not maximizing an inheritance for others…
Not long ago a few residents received some disturbing news–the New York Medicaid support that they counted on to survive was being cut back. Many of these community members had severe disabilities, needing help with every aspect of their life, from dressing and bathing to eating and traveling. Many seniors…