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The Medicare Open Enrollment Period for 2017 has arrived.  Throughout the year, Medicare has different enrollment periods. The Open Enrollment Period, or OEP, is the timeframe during which Medicare beneficiaries (people with Medicare) can make changes to their Medicare plans. This year’s OEP will take place October 15 through December 7, 2015. Any changes you […]

For many years we have counseled our clients against signing any form of binding arbitration agreement included as part of the full nursing home admission agreement.  Such provisions reduce the rights of a nursing home resident to access all legal remedies available to him or her in the event of a abuse or neglect or […]

  As I write this article, I am sitting by my wife’s side while she lies in a hospital bed recovering from a high fever and an infection.  We have already heard terminology used such as she is under “observation status” and her assigned physician is a “hospitalist.”  We also have spoken with her physician […]

Jerry has gone above and beyond our expectations. His ability to keep his hand on the pulse of the ever changing eldercare landscape combined with his true desire to guide us seamlessly through many difficult decisions has been the answer to our prayers.  After successfully raising ten children, the time has come to put mom […]

We are pleased to announce that Jacalyn Hoffman has joined our office as the Client Service Coordinator.  Jacalyn brings over ten years of social work experience to the Rothkoff Law Group.  Initially, Jacalyn started her career employed as a child protective service worker but soon thereafter discovered a passion for the geriatric population and subsequently […]

Below is our lead article from our 2016 Spring newsletter just out: 16 YEARS OF ELDER LAW ACCORDING TO SPRINGSTEEN, by Jerold E. Rothkoff My wife, knowing that I am a huge Springsteen fan, recently gave me a new wallet as a gift with a Springsteen quote engraved on the wallet.  This wonderful, thoughtful gift […]

A Day in the Life of a Geriatric Social Worker with the Rothkoff Law Group By: Janie De Leon-Male, M.S.S., LSW, Director of Care Coordination Often times, our elder law office will get the perennial questions, “You have social workers in your elder law firm? What do they do? How can they help me with […]

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period for 2016 has arrived.  For a quick rundown on what you need to know, take a look at this basic Q&A. What is it? Throughout the year, Medicare has different enrollment periods. The Open Enrollment Period, or OEP, is the timeframe during which Medicare beneficiaries (people with Medicare) can make […]

            I am writing this article a week after the Jewish High Holy days and the Pope’s two day visit to Philadelphia.  The past week has been an opportunity for self reflection and inspiration hearing the Pope’s words of wisdom.  However, you do not necessarily need to wait one year for Yom Kippur or a […]

Our elder law team very much enjoys working with our senior and disabled clients and their families, helping them navigate their long-term care issues and reach workable solutions. However, in many cases, we are attempting to navigate within a long- term care system in which the deck is already stacked against our clients. For example, […]

On June 15, 2015, the New Jersey Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee approved a bill that will exempt up to $500 per month from being considered as part of the Medicaid five-year look back. The purpose of the proposed law, A-3760, is to allow residents applying for long-term care not to be penalized for making small gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, […]

On June 23, 2015, the Jimmo Implementation Council convened at the US Capitol in Washington, DC sponsored by the Center for Medicare Advocacy (CMA).  According to CMA “The purpose of the Jimmo Council is to nurture a community of experts committed to working together to implement the Jimmo v. Sebelius Settlement – to open access to Medicare and […]

Does It Have to Be this Complicated? by Jerold E. Rothkoff             Last month, during a client meeting, I was attempting to explain to a client’s family why part of the client’s income must be placed into a trust in order to become eligible for Medicaid assisted living coverage in New Jersey.  As I was […]

New Law on New Jersey Hospital Discharge Planning As an elder and disability law firm which engages in health care advocacy, our firm recognizes the importance of proper discharge planning. Now, the State of New Jersey has recognized the important role of a spouse, relative or a friend when a patient is discharged from a […]

Important NJ Medicaid Update – Expanded Eligibility for New Jersey Home & Community Based Medicaid Benefits One of the major downfalls of Medicaid coverage for long-term care is that the majority of funds are used for care in a nursing home setting. Thankfully, New Jersey has recently taken steps to attempt to rebalance Medicaid coverage […]