» Uncategorized

Care and Caregiving Fees in Special Needs Trust Planning

This issue of The Voice® is by SNA member Rebecca Kueny of Kueny Law LLC. Located in Salem, Oregon, her firm covers the entire state of Oregon and focuses on special needs planning, disability benefits, estate planning, long-term care planning, and… Read More
Read More

ASSET PROTECTION PLANNING: FIVE-YEAR TRUST

To qualify for the Maine Medicaid (MaineCare) long-term care benefit, an applicant must have less than $10,000. Certain assets, like the primary residence, do not count towards this asset limit, but those assets are not protected from estate recovery… Read More
Read More
Categories: Uncategorized

The Five Ds: When to Call Your Elder Law Attorney

You met with an elder law or estate planning attorney, discussed your goals, and signed documents reflecting your wishes. With a sigh of relief, you store your documents away and check that item off your to-do list. But wait! Don’t forget to mark y… Read More
Read More
Categories: Uncategorized

Three Ways to Avoid a Reduction in SSI Benefits Due to In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM)

Only individuals with limited income and assets are eligible for Supplemental Security Income, known as SSI. (Do not confuse SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) which is a very different program.) If an individual who receives SSI is… Read More
Read More
Categories: Uncategorized

How to Administer an Estate: A Guide for the Personal Representative

A personal representative (aka executor) administers the estate of a deceased person. This blog serves as a general guide when probate is needed, but some circumstances will require additional steps. We encourage you to reach out to an attorney for a… Read More
Read More
Categories: Uncategorized

My spouse is in a nursing home, should we get a divorce?

Your spouse is going to need long-term care or is already in a nursing home and you have heard that the State will take all your money. Is getting a divorce to qualify for MaineCare (Maine’s Medicaid program) a good idea? We get this question more… Read More
Read More
Categories: Uncategorized

Litigators, Do No Harm: Eight-Point Checklist for Minimizing Loss of Public Benefits for Plaintiffs Receiving a Settlement or a Judgment

You worked hard to achieve a good result for your client. Your client is now due – or already may have received – a settlement or a judgment to compensate them for some harm or loss. But will that recovery threaten your client’s eligibility for… Read More
Read More
Categories: Uncategorized

MAINECARE PLANNING: TOP 10 MISTAKES

Assuming Medicare covers expenses Medicare does not pay for indefinite, long-term care like custodial care. In a facility, Medicare only pays for skilled nursing and rehabilitation services following a hospital stay of at least three days. Medicare w… Read More
Read More
Categories: Uncategorized

A Milestone for You and Improved Benefits for Your Disabled Adult Child[1]

There are milestones in every life, and turning 18 is a significant one. For parents of children with disabilities, there are some unique decisions to make, including whether to file an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Until age 18… Read More
Read More
Categories: Uncategorized

What is an ABLE Account?

A few years ago the world of special needs planning gained a new and exciting financial planning tool: the “ABLE” account. ABLE stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience. An ABLE account offers individuals with disabilities a way to save mone… Read More
Read More
Categories: Uncategorized