NO DATA … WRONG DATA … BAD DATA … DISASTER.

by Laurie Ohall | Jun 23, 2011 | Elder Law, Florida Laws, Long Term Care Planning, Medicaid

I am elder law attorney, but more importantly, I am an advocate for the elderly. As we all know, this waiver request seeks to expand the pilot project to include Florida’s seniors under a long term care managed care model.  Within this model, the managed care...

Your Chance to Make a Difference: Attend A Florida Public Medicaid Reform Hearing

by Laurie Ohall | Jun 7, 2011 | Elder Law, Florida Laws, Medicaid

Now that the legislature and the Governor have approved Medicaid Reform, the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) must seek permission from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) (the federal government) to expand the waiver program to...

Pet Trusts: What happens to my pets if I die?

by Laurie Ohall | May 30, 2011 | End of Life Issues, Estate Planning, Florida Laws, Probate

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in May of 1999 demonstrated that independently living seniors that have pets tend to have better physical health and mental well-being than those that don’t. They’re more active, cope better with...

The New Florida Durable Power of Attorney statute

by Laurie Ohall | May 26, 2011 | Estate Planning, Florida Laws, Health Care Directives, Power of Attorney for Estate Planning

Among the new laws which the Florida legislature passed this session were substantial changes to the Durable Power of Attorney Statute.  A durable power of attorney (DPOA) is a document in which you appoint someone to legally act on your behalf.  Essentially, your...

Medicaid Diversion and Waiver programs to get new enrollees

by Laurie Ohall | May 25, 2011 | Elder Law, End of Life Issues, Florida Laws, Long Term Care Planning, Medicaid

  Some good news did come out of the Florida legislative session this year – they managed to budget for 1000 new slots under the Medicaid Diversion program (which helps pay for the cost of care in assisted living facilities) and 1250 new slots for the Medicaid...

Florida Medicaid Reform Legislation – Legal Update

by Laurie Ohall | May 24, 2011 | Elder Law, Florida Laws, Long Term Care Planning, Medicaid

Many of you have seen me tweeting and posting on Facebook regarding the need to contact your legislators about the Medicaid Reform legislation that was happening this season in Florida.  Luckily, for our seniors, two changes were put on hold (at least for now).  The...