What you need to know about Medicaid in 2012

by Laurie Ohall | Feb 1, 2012 | Elder Law, Estate Planning, Florida Laws, Long Term Care Planning, Medicaid

Medicaid provides Medical coverage to low income individuals and families. The state and federal government share the costs of the Medicaid program. Medicaid services in Florida are administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration. Medicaid eligibility in...

Cost of Living Adjustment increases aid for Veterans

by Laurie Ohall | Nov 11, 2011 | Elder Law, End of Life Issues, Estate Planning, Senior Lifestyles, VA (Veteran's Affairs)

President Obama signed the Veteran’s Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011 on November 9, 2011 which increases the rates of veterans’ disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans,...

VA Benefits you might not know existed

by Laurie Ohall | Nov 11, 2011 | Elder Law, Long Term Care Planning, VA (Veteran's Affairs)

Did you know that if you or a family member served in the armed services during a time of war that there may be a benefit available to help pay for nursing home care (or assisted living or other medical expenses)?  A little known pension benefit payable to veterans...

The benefits of using an elder law attorney for Medicaid Planning

by Laurie Ohall | Oct 25, 2011 | Elder Law, End of Life Issues, Long Term Care Planning, Medicaid, Senior Lifestyles

I had a phone call today from a lady who was concerned about some “Medicaid planning” she had received through a non-elder law attorney firm.  The nursing home in which her father resided had suggested she go to this firm of non-attorneys to discuss obtaining Medicaid...

What is a geriatric care manager and how could one help my family?

by Laurie Ohall | Oct 18, 2011 | Elder Law, End of Life Issues, Long Term Care Planning, Senior Lifestyles

I am a big advocate of using geriatric care managers to help families, especially when the elder’s children live out of state or far away.  A geriatric care manager (GCM) can help families cope with the challenges such as helping the family to identify problems or...

Florida Guardianship: How does the state determine “incapacitation”?

by Laurie Ohall | Sep 12, 2011 | Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Long Term Care Planning

How is someone found to be incapacitated?  Any person can file a petition with the court stating that they believe an individual to be incapacitated.  The court then appoints an examining committee of three people to evaluate the individual and render an opinion of...