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BREAKING NEWS-April 15, 2009-Indiana Legislature Prevents Harshest Federal Medicaid Penalties

Families Can Plan for Elder Care and Protect Assets Under Safety of New Law, but Must Act Before October 1, 2009



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Asset Protection Opportunity Opens for Seniors, Disabled Until October 1, 2009

Seniors who fear losing their homes and life savings to nursing home costs should consider taking action now, during a rare “window of opportunity” before new Medicaid restrictions are enacted. Under legislation just passed in Indiana, for the first time in over three years, clients who make gifts, purchase real estate or annuities or create trusts that comply with current Medicaid rules will be safe from being denied Medicaid in the future, even though new, more restrictive transfer of assets rules may go into effect at that time.

This is particularly good news for seniors whose retirement savings have shrunk during the current recession. For the next 4 ½ months, they will be able to plan to protect assets before new federally-mandated transfer of asset restrictions go into effect.

To read more, click here.






Other Articles of Interest

Financial Downturn Coupled with Changing Estate Tax Rules Mean It's Time to Review Your Estate Plan


The financial crisis, coupled with possible changes in the estate tax law, make now a good time to review your estate plan. The future of the estate tax will likely be up for debate in Congress soon because one of the priorities of the Obama administration is making the estate tax permanent. Given the uncertain climate, it is important to make sure your estate plan does what you want it to do.
[read more]


Be Aware of the Dangers of Joint Accounts


Many people believe that joint accounts are a good way to avoid probate and transfer money to loved ones, and such accounts are sometimes referred to as "the common person's estate plan." But while joint accounts can be useful in certain circumstances, they can have dire consequences if not used properly. Adding a loved one to a bank account can affect Medicaid planning as well as expose your account to the loved one's creditors.
[read more]


Nursing Home Residents May Keep $250 Stimulus Payment


Just about everyone who gets Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a Railroad Retirement or Veterans Administration disability pension, will receive a one-time payment from the U.S. government of $250 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (aka the stimulus bill). The extra payment is scheduled to arrive by the end of May the same way you receive your usual benefit.
[read more]


Nearly Two-Thirds Face Risky Retirement Due to Long-Term Care Costs


A new report by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College finds that nearly two-thirds of U.S. households are at risk of being unable to maintain their standard of living in retirement when possible long-term care costs are taken into consideration.
[read more]


National Organization on Disability Announces Indianapolis, IN as 2009 Winner For Disability-Friendly City: Mayor to accept $25,000 Accessible America Award on behalf of Indianapolis


The National Organization on Disability's announced that Indianapolis is the wnner of its 8th Annual Accessible America Competition. CIted as a model of a disability-friendly city, Indianapolis was lauded for best practices in accessibility and for the inclusive ways in which we incoprporate people with disabilities into our community.