Elder Law News

An intentionally defective grantor trust allows wealthy families to transfer assets from one generation to the next while achieving significant tax savings. IDGTs are especially useful if you have assets that will appreciate significantly over time.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused nursing home staffing shortages across the United States, even forcing some nursing homes to close, but some states have been hit harder than others. A new analysis looks at which states are confronting the worst staffing problems. 

In an alarming number of cases, private Medicare Advantage plans are denying coverage for medical services that would be covered under original Medicare, according to a federal investigation.  

In most states, spouses can purchase and own property separately from one another. However, in certain states – called community property states – if one spouse purchases property, it is considered the property of both spouses. How marital property is owned has implications for both estate and tax planning. 

My mom has a revocable trust that she set up more than 15 years ago. If we change it to an irrevocable trust, would it be subject to the five-year look-back when applying for Medicaid benefits?

If you apply for long-term care assistance through Medicaid and your application is denied, it may feel hopeless. The good news is that you can appeal the decision. 

After a Medicaid recipient dies, can Medicaid recoup benefits from the recipient’s IRA? The IRA was not counted as a resource when applying for Medicaid because it was in “payout status”

If your spouse dies, you may have to decide whether or when to sell your house. There are some tax considerations that go into that decision. 

Running a small business can keep you busy, but it should not keep you from creating an estate plan. Not having a plan in place can cause problems for your business and your family after you are gone.  

Leaving a nursing home to return home is a goal for many residents and their families, but it requires careful consideration. While returning home is a good move for some, it won’t work for everyone.