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…
We have heard from clients who have received mysterious lump sum deposits into their accounts from Social Security. Recent developments in the Social Security Administration’s Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) have led to these lump-sum deposits appearing in the accounts of some retirees. While this unexpected windfall may seem like good news, it could have unintended…
November has been designated “National Family Caregivers” month to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate the community, recognize family caregivers, and increase support for caregivers. In our practice (and in my own family), we see many families who are supporting an aging loved one. It’s what people do, especially for a parent or others who…
Is the CSPA Connecticut’s Chapter of the ASPCA? Not exactly. So what is the CSPA and why am I writing about it anyway? CSPA stands for the Community Spouse Protected Amount and the reason my blog focuses on it this month is because the minimum CSPA in Connecticut has been increased to $50,000 effective July…
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…
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…
