Elder Law

If you are thinking of amending your Last Will and Testament, do not do so yourself. Although any adult with mental competency can amend his or her last will and testament at any time, it cannot be amended by simply writing the changes onto the document. There are two ways to validly “amend” the terms of a last will and testament.

When both spouses need long term care, they can apply together for Community Medicaid provided that they qualify as a “dual applicant.” As a couple applying for Community Medicaid, the spouses cannot have more than $23,100.00 in total countable resources. This typically includes bank accounts, brokerage accounts, non-qualified annuities, stocks, bonds and cash value of life insurance policies.

As fiduciary you are required to account to the beneficiaries, but the type of accounting will vary depending upon the actual beneficiaries and the fiduciary’s relationship with them. There are two types of accounting: informal and judicial accounting.

Community Medicaid, also known as homecare Medicaid, is not limited to care in one’s current home. A person is eligible for Community Medicaid so long as they reside in New York, do not require a skilled nursing facility, and meet the financial eligibility requirements.

In order for a person to contest a last will and testament (“will”) in New York, he or she must have legal grounds. This means a reason based in the law that the will is invalid and should not be admitted to probate. Admitting a will to probate means that the executor named in the will is appointed by the Surrogate’s Court. The executor then distributes the decedent’s assets as dictated by the will.

The Medicare program is administered jointly by the state and federal government. Medicare is available to adults 65 years of age and older, or to anyone under the age of 65 who is entitled to Social Security Disability. Medicare provides varying levels of medical coverage, depending on the plan you have. Medicare Part A and Part B, two of the more basic plans, provide coverage for hospitalization stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, routine doctor visits, and medical equipment.

When someone enters a nursing facility for long term placement, there are several ways the Chronic Medicaid program can treat the primary residence. Usually the primary residence is a “countable asset” for the Medicaid applicant and needs to be sold. However, there are some exempt transfer and planning techniques that can preserve the primary residence.