A large segment of our population is disabled, either physically, intellectually, cognitively, emotionally or psychologically. In a study reported in 2007 by the National Organization on Disability it was estimated that more than 54 million Americans, nearly one in five of us, are disabled. Generally, “special needs planning” is estate planning for the benefit of...
Having properly executed estate planning documents, such as a Will, Trust, Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy or Living Will, is an essential step in the process of estate planning. Many people think that their work is done once the documents are signed. However, an estate plan can only be effective if it is properly...
The Medicaid Redesign Team was established by Governor Cuomo to work cooperatively and reform the Medicaid system in New York to improve health outcomes and control costs. The recommendations of the Redesign Team that were approved by the Legislature, as part of the enacted budget, are now being implemented. One of the most important initiatives...
We recently participated in an elder care meeting at which one of the speakers quipped: “Be kind to your children, they will select your nursing home!” While it was intended as dark humor, it can also serve as a call to action. We won’t avoid the aging process. We may as well resign ourselves to...
When a loved one is admitted to a nursing home, in addition to helping your loved one accept the changes that have occasioned the move and managing the details involved in the move, you are often requested, by the nursing home, to sign documentation. Nursing home admission agreements can be complicated and confusing. What do...
Most of us have heard the expression: “Nothing is certain in life but death and taxes.” For some of us, taxes may be owed even after death. Depending on the size of your estate, estate taxes, state and/or federal, may be due. To determine your potential estate tax liability, it is important to understand the...
Most people incorrectly believe that estate planning is important only after you have reached a certain age or acquired some wealth. This is not the case. At Berwitz & DiTata LLP, we like to think of estate planning as “lifetime planning” and believe that it is important for all of us who have reached the...
Websites and publications geared towards those contemplating retirement ply their readers with articles on the “do’s and dont’s” of retirement planning. Even so, trying to formulate the right retirement strategy can be mind-boggling! Here are some common retirement planning myths: “As I near retirement, investments should be more conservative.” Americans are living longer. In fact,...
Moriah Adamo, Esq. Moriah Adamo is a Partner at Abrams Fensterman, LLP and leads the firm’s Elder Law & Estate Planning Practice in its Lake Success office. Moriah distinguishes herself as litigator and, in the past, represented health care providers in the areas of Medicaid qualifications and appeals. Like us, this experience and skill...
Amendments to the law are often necessary to adapt to the growing needs of the community at large. Sometimes change is beneficial. Unfortunately, on occasion change deprives benefits to those who are most vulnerable. Anticipated changes in the New York State Community Medicaid Program (Medicaid home care) promise both the good and the bad in...
