New California HOA Laws Estate Planning Attorney Joseph Hudack says that California HOAs had their best legislative year in years in 2021. An already-enacted California statute is summarized in this column. Senate Bill 391 became an emergency law after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it on September 23. It enables HOAs to convene virtual meetings in…
Medicaid Application Denied Estate Planning Attorney Joseph Hudack says that if you apply for long-term care assistance through Medicaid and you get “Medicaid Application Denied”, it may feel hopeless. The good news is that you can appeal the decision. Medicaid is a program for low-income individuals, so it has strict income and asset eligibility requirements.…
When to Leave a Nursing Home? Estate Planning Attorney Joseph Hudack knows that leaving a nursing home to return home is a goal for many residents and their families, but it requires careful consideration. While returning home is a good move for some, it won’t work for everyone. A nursing home stay does not have…
COVID At-Home Tests Estate Planning Attorney Joseph Hudack knows that if you have Medicare, you can receive up to eight free rapid “COVID At-Home Tests” monthly at participating pharmacies. The free tests are available without a prescription to all Medicare beneficiaries with Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you only…
Estate Planning Attorney Options for Grandparents Estate Planning Attorney Joseph Hudack knows that there are several ways to plan for your grandchildren’s future. Different tools may be used to incorporate this newer generation into an estate plan. One way is to give the gift of education. With college tuition rising every year for both private…
Major Nursing Home Reforms, Most Extensive “In Decades” Estate Planning Attorney Joseph Hudack knows that the Biden administration has announced far-reaching major nursing home reforms, targeting staffing and accountability at facilities with deficient care. Advocates are calling the proposals, which include the first-ever federal minimum staffing levels, the most significant reforms in decades. Nursing homes…
Annual Long-Term Care Survey Estate Planning Attorney Joseph Hudack says that the Annual Long-Term Care Survey climbed again in 2021, with rates for home health aides and homemakers seeing the sharpest rises, according to Genworth’s annual Cost of Care Survey. The coronavirus pandemic continues to contribute to cost increases. In the past year, Genworth reports…
The Accountable Care Organization Realizing Equity, Access, and Community Care “Medicare ACO REACH Model” Estate Planning Attorney Joseph Hudack knows that in the face of mounting criticism that its Direct Contracting initiative will undermine traditional Medicare, the Biden administration announced that rather than terminate the model, it is changing its name and adding protections against abuse.…
Are Seniors Eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit? Estate Planning Attorney Joseph Hudack knows that working seniors without dependents may qualify for the earned income tax credit when they file their 2021 tax returns. The tax credit assists those with low incomes but was previously primarily available to people with young children. If you file…
Naming a Trust as a Beneficiary of Your Retirement Plan Estate Planning Attorney Joseph Hudack says that naming a trust as a beneficiary of your retirement plan can be a good idea in some circumstances. Still, it can be dangerous if you are worried about creditors coming after your estate. There are many good reasons…