As families prepare for the challenges of long-term care, few realize that one of the most effective strategies for protecting assets during Medicaid spend-down involves something as practical—and personal—as prepaying for funeral expenses. In Connecticut, Medicaid imposes strict asset limits: individuals must have no more than $1,600 in countable resources to qualify. However, certain expenditures…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Elder Law Month—a time to have open, honest conversations about how we care for ourselves and our loved ones, especially as we age. One topic that’s difficult but essential to address is cognitive decline. Whether due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other conditions, the possibility of losing mental capacity…
Spring is all about fresh starts—decluttering your space, deep-cleaning your home, and getting life in order. But while you’re dusting off shelves, why not tidy up something even more important? Yep, your estate plan. Whether you’re just getting started or need to make a few updates, now is the perfect time to make sure your…
When a married couple applies for Medicaid, the Medicaid agency must analyze the couple’s income and assets as of a particular date to determine eligibility. The date that the agency chooses for this analysis is called the “snapshot” date and it can have a major impact on a couple’s financial future. Medicaid Eligibility for Couples…
Recently I had the honor of serving as the co-chair of the Legislative Task Force to Study Ways to Protect Senior Citizens from Fraud. The Task Force was created pursuant to a bill enacted by the Connecticut legislature in 2021 and was comprised of ten individuals appointed by various legislative leaders. Besides myself, the members…
Most couples have what I call “I Love You” Wills, which state that all of their assets pass to the surviving spouse. Moreover, many couples own all of their assets jointly, so the assets pass to the surviving joint owner even without a Will. This is usually the outcome that couples want, but there are…
