Issue # 2 – 2019 Elder Law Institute and Pointers When Doing Estate Planning.

Would you like to know more about common legal issues and tips for better living for you and your family? In this issue of our newsletter, we talk about the 2019 Elder Law Institute and Pointers When Doing Estate Planning.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2019 ELDER LAW INSTITUTE

As of July 26, 2019, a nursing home can offer binding arbitration (no court) to settle disputes but cannot make that a condition to accept patients for care in their facility.

The veteran’s administration now looks back 3 years regarding the transfer of assets. This started 10/18/18.

If applying for medical assistance for nursing home care, always check the box that you intend to return home so that your home is protected while living in the nursing home or that it cannot be affected for the medical assistance dollars paid for your care in the form of a lien, if you indeed do return to your home.

If in a nursing home and approved for medical assistance, the car you bought is allowed and you will still qualify for medical assistance. It then can be transferred without penalty.

Also, a person can purchase and insure a car without a driver’s license.

Veterans and their spouses should consider applying for aid and attendance money as soon as needed in the foreseeable future, because it takes time for the application to be approved.

To access nursing homes with health and safety problems, go to aging.senate.gov/press-room/minority.

POINTERS WHEN DOING ESTATE PLANNING

Before naming the Executor of the Will you are completing, ask that person or persons if they would agree to serve.

If you have specific requests for your burial, make those known (in writing) to your family. Do not put them in your Will, because the Will may not be found until after the burial takes place.

Periodically, check the unclaimed property website, patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. You may find a closed bank account or life insurance policy.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR AN ATTORNEY?

If you have any questions regarding the topics in this newsletter, please visit our href=”https://www.maureenkroll.com/contact.aspx”>Contact Page or call our office at 724-863-6770. This is my first publication of some current, relevant topics. My goal is to keep you informed about current, relevant topics in the legal field.

My practice centers around, divorce, bankruptcy, estate law (wills and power of attorney), elder law, and social security disability, but if you have other issues give me a call and I can help you find an attorney to help with your legal needs.