What is the 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period?
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What is the 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period?

Public Benefits

What is the 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period?

The 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period is a specific provision that is often confusing, but it plays a vital role in determining Medicaid eligibility. Understanding the 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period The 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period refers to a five-year timeframe during which Medicaid reviews all financial transactions, asset transfers, and gifts made by an applicant. This period is designed to prevent people from giving away or transferring assets at less than fair market value to qualify for Medicaid benefits. If an applicant has made such transactions within the five-year window prior to applying for Medicaid, penalties may be imposed, potentially delaying [...]

Rothkoff Law Group2024-11-27T13:39:49-05:00November 28, 2024|

Elder Law and Estate Taxes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
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Elder Law and Estate Taxes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Public Benefits, Estate Planning

Elder Law and Estate Taxes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Elder law and estate taxes are critical areas of financial planning that significantly impact seniors and their heirs in New Jersey (NJ) and Pennsylvania (PA). As individuals age, developing strategies that secure their future and ensure that their legacy is passed on to their heirs with minimal tax implications becomes imperative. This blog explores how elder law strategies can impact estate taxes in PA and NJ, offering valuable tips for minimizing tax liabilities for seniors and their heirs. Understanding Elder Law and Estate Taxes Elder law encompasses a range of legal matters affecting older adults, including guardianships, wills, trusts, estate [...]

Rothkoff Law Group2024-09-27T12:25:55-04:00September 26, 2024|

Asset Protection for Seniors in Pennsylvania
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Asset Protection for Seniors in Pennsylvania

Public Benefits, Estate Planning

Asset Protection for Seniors in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, seniors face the challenge of safeguarding their assets against the rising costs of long-term care, legal liabilities, and other potential financial risks. Asset protection for seniors in Pennsylvania ensures the preservation and security of a lifetime's worth of savings and investments. Here, we look at Pennsylvania's effective strategies and legal mechanisms to help seniors protect their assets and secure their financial legacy. The Importance of Asset Protection for Seniors in Pennsylvania With rising healthcare costs and the increasing likelihood of requiring long-term care services, asset protection for seniors in Pennsylvania has never been more important. Without a solid [...]

Rothkoff Law Group2024-09-27T12:30:11-04:00September 19, 2024|

Asset Protection for Seniors in New Jersey
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Asset Protection for Seniors in New Jersey

Public Benefits, Estate Planning

Asset Protection for Seniors in New Jersey

In a state where the cost of living and healthcare can be much higher than in other parts of the country, asset protection for seniors in New Jersey is not just a matter of financial planning; it's a necessity. The rising costs of long-term care, potential legal judgments, and the complexities of estate taxes can quickly deplete a lifetime's worth of savings. This blog looks at the strategies and legal mechanisms available in New Jersey to help seniors protect their assets from these risks, ensuring financial security and peace of mind for themselves and their families. Understanding the Importance of [...]

Rothkoff Law Group2024-09-27T12:31:25-04:00September 12, 2024|

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
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What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Public Benefits

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid is essential for anyone navigating the healthcare landscape in the United States, especially for seniors and those with low incomes. While Medicare and Medicaid are government-sponsored healthcare programs, they serve different populations and have unique eligibility requirements, coverage options, and funding sources. Both programs have distinct features, and here we’ll shed light on the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. Origins of Medicare and Medicaid Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965 under the Social Security Act but were designed to serve different purposes. Medicare is a federal program that provides healthcare coverage [...]

Jerold Rothkoff2024-05-22T23:27:47-04:00May 23, 2024|

Unlocking Veterans Pension Benefits for Long-Term Care Funding
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Unlocking Veterans Pension Benefits for Long-Term Care Funding

Public Benefits

Unlocking Veterans Pension Benefits for Long-Term Care Funding

Are you aware of Veterans Pension Benefits? In a nation that values the sacrifice and service of its veterans, it is crucial to explore avenues that provide support and care for those who have dedicated their lives to defending our freedoms. One such avenue is the often-overlooked Veterans Special Monthly Pension Benefit, a financial resource that can be instrumental in funding long-term care for our honored veterans. In this blog, we will delve into the details of these benefits, their eligibility criteria, and how they can be harnessed to ensure our veterans receive the care and support they deserve in [...]

Kaitlin Dirkx2024-03-26T16:00:30-04:00March 28, 2024|

Disabilities and Social Security Benefits
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Disabilities and Social Security Benefits

Public Benefits

Disabilities and Social Security Benefits

When it comes to disabilities and social security benefits, the rules and regulations governing these entitlements can be challenging to navigate. It is necessary to understand how disability status impacts eligibility for Social Security benefits for those who may need financial support due to a disability. The Relationship Between Disabilities and Social Security Benefits Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the two main programs that provide financial assistance to people with disabilities. While SSDI is based on a person's work history and contributions to the Social Security system, SSI is a needs-based program designed to [...]

Rothkoff Law Group2024-03-08T10:45:20-05:00January 11, 2024|

What Do VA Benefits Cover?
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What Do VA Benefits Cover?

Public Benefits

What Do VA Benefits Cover?

What do VA benefits cover? Understanding the extent of these benefits is essential for veterans and their families, as it allows them to make the most of available support. From healthcare, education, disability compensation, housing, and more we cover it in this blog. Healthcare Benefits Healthcare is typically the first area that comes to mind when examining what VA benefits cover. The VA offers comprehensive medical care, including preventive, outpatient, inpatient, and mental health services. Specialized care for women veterans, substance abuse treatment, and rehabilitation for those with disabilities are also available. Educational Support Education is another significant aspect of [...]

Rothkoff Law Group2024-03-08T10:54:02-05:00October 19, 2023|

Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living: PA Legislation Proposal
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Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living: PA Legislation Proposal

Health Law, Law Update, Assisted Living, Public Benefits

Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living: PA Legislation Proposal

In December 2022, Pennsylvania state Senators Michelle Brooks and Judy Ward proposed legislation that would expand Medicaid coverage for assisted living facilities. The proposal is designed to provide support for older adults who require assistance with daily living but do not require the high level of care provided by nursing homes. Under the proposed legislation, eligible seniors would be able to access Medicaid coverage for assisted living services, including room and board, personal care, and medication management. This would be a game-changer for many seniors who are currently struggling to pay for these services out-of-pocket or relying on family members [...]

Bryan Adler2024-03-08T11:19:44-05:00April 28, 2023|

Does it Have to Be this Complicated?
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Does it Have to Be this Complicated?

Public Benefits

Does it Have to Be this Complicated?

Once, 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 to become eligible for Medicaid assisted living coverage in New Jersey. As I was explaining something that I knew did not make sense to a reasonable person, I asked myself, does it really need to be this complicated? A federal court, regarding the complexity of Medicaid law, has stated: “There can be no doubt but that the statutes and provisions in question, involving the financing of Medicare and Medicaid, are among the most completely [...]

Jerold Rothkoff2024-03-08T11:21:02-05:00November 4, 2022|