Although Elder Law is an entity of its own, it can technically be considered as part of our estate planning services. We work with seniors and their adult children to analyze their long-term care needs and financial options.
We work with our clients to develop a plan of how to transfer, gift, or organize any assets to ensure that there is enough money to pay for long-term care needs and protect assets for the next generation, if possible.
Much of our work includes assisting individuals and couples to apply for Medicaid (Title 19) when someone needs expensive long-term care.
Medicaid in CT can pay for skilled nursing home care, which currently costs about $15,000/month in our area, and home care, which can cost up to $8000/month for full-time live-in care.
One common issue that arises in Medicaid planning is the look-back period, which means the transferor may be penalized from receiving Medicaid if he or she has made a gift during the five-year period before applying for Medicaid.
We assist clients to analyze the risks and penalties and counsel them on their options.
Even if the look-back is not an issue, there are often spend-down requirements, which we assist clients with in order to spend their funds as wisely as possible.
We also help clients retain assets for the spouse at home by use of Medicaid annuities and protect the family home for a child who has lived with the parents and cared for him or her for more than two years.
Our attorneys are also accredited with the PLAN of CT, which is the only entity authorized by the State of Connecticut to operate Pooled Trusts. These are often required if a client’s income exceeds the cap for Medicaid services.
Still not sure if an Elder Law Attorney Is right For You?
On May 25, 2021, the Connecticut chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (CT-NAELA) announced that new members have been elected to key leadership posts.
Many of our clients are veterans who served during active wartime (WWII: 12/7-1941-12/31/1946, Korea: 6/27/1950-1/31/1955, Vietnam 2/28/1961-5/7/1975).
The long-term health care needs of a veteran or a surviving spouse of a veteran may entitle that person to a stipend from the VA, known as Aid & Attendance. Attorney Wilson is accredited with the VA to apply for Aid & Attendance benefits.
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It’s understandable that some people think that if the assets are under a different name, they are no longer considered yours. While that is true in most cases, Medicaid has slightly different rules.
So don’t put “transfer assets to spouse” on your to-do list just yet. Watch the video below and let Attorney Joan Wilson explain why.
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MYTH 1: “Medicare Will Pay for Long-Term Care such as an Assisted Living Community or and Nursing Home.”
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