Blog: Elder Law
How is the Supreme Court’s Gay Marriage Decision Good for Senior Citizens?
Is the Supreme Court's gay marriage decision good for senior citizens? The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on June 26, 2013 stating that a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional means that same-sex couples (in states that legally recognize...
Social Security – A Safety Net
Social Security – A Safety Net for Retired Americans, their Survivors, and the Disabled June 5, 2013 - By the NCPC Our council is dedicated to helping families recognize the need for long term care planning and to help implement that planning. All elderly people,...
Medicaid: Transitioning from skilled nursing to assisted living
Medicaid: Transitioning from skilled nursing to assisted living If you have a loved one who is being cared for in a skilled nursing facility and is receiving Medicaid benefits, and that person no longer needs to be in skilled nursing (but cannot live on their own or...
Beware “Medicaid Planners” who call themselves “experts”
Beware "Medicaid Planners" who are not attorneys You should NEVER have an attorney tell you that they can guarantee your Medicaid application is approved. You should NEVER have an attorney tell you they are an “expert” in elder law or special needs planning unless...
State Of Florida Resolution – May is recognized as Elder Law Month
Did you know that May is National Elder Law Month? Every year, for the month of May, Law Offices of Laurie E. Ohall P.A., P.A. provides FREE in -office consultations on a first come, first serve basis for senior citizens. While seminars can provide a plethora of...
Should I draft my own estate planning documents?
You’ve seen the commercials with OJ Simpson’s attorney telling you to go to a certain website, put in some information, and you can prepare your own estate planning documents with the click of a mouse. And I say – absolutely, go ahead and do that. Why would I say...
How does the Medicaid Reform in Florida affect me?
Medicaid Reform in Florida Under the Medicaid reform laws, Medicaid recipients are required to sign up for a new health plan within 30 days of being notified that it is time to pick a health plan. All Medicaid recipients are required to enroll in a managed care plan...
National Elder Law Month
Did you know that May is National Elder Law Month? Every year, for the month of May, Law Offices of Laurie E. Ohall P.A., P.A. provides FREE in -office consultations on a first come, first serve basis for senior citizens. While seminars can provide a plethora of...
Elder Law Questions: What is an annuity?
What is an Annuity? An annuity is an insurance product whose primary purpose is to pay income to an individual. It is generally used as part of a retirement plan. An individual will invest a certain sum of money for the promise that payments will be made to the...
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Tips
One of the best tips I think an alzheimer's caregiver can rely on is to educate themselves. An educated caregiver can make all the difference in dealing with the stress of the unknown. For instance, many caregivers are unaware that there are support groups available...
Florida Department of Children and Families fails the poor and elderly…again.
There was an article in the Tampa Bay Times on Sunday, February 24, 2013 - (view article) discussing DCF's proposal of a bill that targets Florida Medicaid fraud among those trying to hide their assets. Once again, DCF is trying to use scare tactics to hurt the most...
Florida Medicaid Look-Back For Long Term Care Programs
Florida Medicaid Look-Back For Long Term Care The Florida Department of Children and Families has finally decided on the implementation of a period of Medicaid look-back for long term care programs. What is a look-back period? When you go to file for Medicaid, they...
Why Elder Law? Why Do I Do What I Do?
Why Elder Law? Why Do I Do What I Do? Fifteen years ago today, one of the most precious people in my life passed away - my Nana, Elsie Gonzalez. I adored my grandmother and have so many wonderful memories of time spent with her. She was always around while I was...
What is an Elder law attorney?
What is an Elder law attorney? An Elder Law Attorney explains....When I started my own practice, like most attorneys who open their own office, I took on all sorts of cases. I took on divorces, child custody, personal injury, adoptions, probates, wills – I did a...
Top 10 things you need to know about Florida Nursing Home Medicaid
Top 10 things you need to know about Florida Nursing Home Medicaid: Your homestead is protected from creditors. Creditors include the nursing home and Medicaid liens (not so in other states, like Ohio, that force you to sell your house if you or your dependent do not...