Written by Jill Roamer, J.D. & Marcheasa Minium, J.D. Trusts are certainly not the most perspicuous of legal inventions, but they can be a critical part of any family with a loved one with special needs. Experienced professionals understand the nuances of the various types of trusts available, what language is necessary, and which trust…
Written by Robert Nickerson It’s February, which means that for a lot of people, love is in the air. Valentines Day is more then a sweetheart’s day. It’s become something like Christmas to show how much effort we put into the people we love. This is why the holiday isn’t restricted to couples; I’ve seen…
Written by Robert T. Nickerson The theater and Broadway world was saddened by the news of which acclaimed composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim, had finally lowered the curtains to life when he passed away from cardiovascular disease on November 26th, 2021. He was 91 years old. His legacy was richly filled with his work such as A Funny…
Written by Jill Roamer, J.D. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) did many things. It implemented new whistleblower protections, changed the annuity rules, allowed states to vary premiums and cost-sharing for Medicaid benefits, and instituted the “Money Follows the Person” rule. But the heavy hitters of the DRA were the modifications of the look-back…
Written by Jill Roamer, J.D. Dean and Patricia were married for more than 50 years. In early 2017, Dean entered a nursing home. Patricia, acting as Dean’s authorized representative, executed the residency agreement with the nursing home. About six months later, Patricia filed an application for Medicaid benefits on Dean’s behalf. It was denied and…
Written by Jill Roamer J.D. Even in the beginning stages of the pandemic, advocates for nursing homes and other care facilities warned of staff shortages. And their trepidations have come true. Just last month, AARP reported that 30% of nursing homes they surveyed were experiencing staff shortages. Sadly, the report also showed that there were more than…
Written by Jill Roamer J.D. Ride-share companies, such as Uber, have boomed in recent years. Anyone needing a ride can simply make a few clicks on their smartphone or computer and a car shows up to take them to their destination. Very convenient! Folks with disabilities have also benefited from Uber’s services. A customer can…
Written by Robert T. Nickerson The public notion on those with special needs that also have service animals is continuously evolving. Many businesses and even mobile apps like uber have become more friendly towards those that need a service animal with them at all times. The downside is that with more attention also leads to…
Written by Jill Roamer J.D. As a senior ages, they may no longer be able to look after their own affairs. This could be their medical affairs, financial affairs, or both. Hopefully, the senior planned early and had the appropriate powers of attorney in place. These documents allow another to act on the senior’s behalf…
Written by Jill Roamer J.D. Federal law prohibits a nursing home from requiring that past-due expenses be paid as a condition for a resident to be admitted to or continue to stay at a facility. But what if someone volunteers such payment? This issue was recently litigated in the Commonwealth of Kentucky Court of Appeals. In this case,…