For those who divert excess income to pooled trusts (to qualify for Medicaid programs with income limits), major changes are being unrolled. The Department of Social Services has now implemented an applied income requirement for all income over the $1,980 personal needs allowance. This means that all diverted income, that previously could be used to…
Read MoreThe Department of Social Services has sent out a Notice of Intent to amend the UPM to remove the word “inaccessible” as it applies in Medicaid and certain other programs. The comment period ended on December 12, 2016. We will keep you posted on when these changes will be implemented and how they will affect…
Read MoreThe SNT Fairness Act was passed by both the House and Senate on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 as part of H.R. 34, the 21stCentury Cures Act. It was signed by the President on December 13, 2016. The Special Needs Fairness Act’s primary purpose is to allow an individual to establish their own d4a special needs…
Read MoreWe all know how expensive a funeral is in Connecticut. For clients on Medicaid, purchasing an irrevocable prepaid funeral contract is and has been a staple spend-down method for Medicaid eligibility. However, keeping the cost within the $5,400 Medicaid limit, as set forth in C.G.S. 42-207, has been difficult. The $5,400 limit on irrevocable prepaid…
Read MoreJoin your fellow Elder Law attorneys for a social event at the Connecticut River Museum on Thursday October 20th from 6-8 PM. Cash bar ($5). Live instrumental music/guitar from Jeffrey Sasso. Light appetizers will be served. Located at 67 Main Street in Essex, The Connecticut River Museum in Essex, CT is a beautiful, peaceful spot on…
Read MoreThe effective date of the new Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act is October 1, 2016, pursuant to Public Act No. 16-40. The new act makes significant changes to the prior Connecticut law governing Powers of Attorney, and is found in Conn. Gen. Stat. Sections 1-350 to 1-353b, inclusive. The text of Public Act No. 16-40…
Read MoreCT NAELA Presents its Fall Seminar: PRACTICAL PLANNING IN ELDER LAW, Friday, OCTOBER 28, 2016, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Meriden, CT Join other elder law attorneys in a full day program to learn practical tips and catch up on developments in: (1) Fair Hearing: Preparation, Presentation, and Appeal – Attorney Carmine Perri…
Read MoreNAELA Celebrates National Special Needs Law Month NAELA members will be celebrating with public seminars, special living will days, Special Needs Law clinics, and other activities designed to educate the public. Members: Email NAELA photos and news on what you’re doing to celebrate National Special Needs Law Month in your community (amatienzo@naela.org). Sign in with your…
Read MoreThe Connecticut Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys held its annual meeting on Friday, June 17, 2016, at the Keeney Center in Wethersfield. The meeting was highlighted by the presentation of Keynote Speaker, The Honorable Paul J. Knierim, Probate Court Administrator, who had a dynamic discussion with members over recent developments and coming…
Read MoreYesterday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act (H.R. 670) as part of a small legislative package to improve Medicaid! The package also includes Medicaid coverage of tobacco cessation services for mothers of newborns and limiting the use of federal Medicaid funds to cosmetic drugs except when medically necessary….
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