top of page
Search
Insights from the 2019 Tax Season
As many of my readers know, I am a tax accountant as well as an elder law and estate planning attorney. In fact, many of my legal clients...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
If I have long-term care insurance, do I still need to engage in planning for the future?
Co-Authored by Joanna C. Feldman, Esq. Long-term care insurance can be a great arrow in one’s quiver of tools when planning for the...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
Is Medicaid’s penalty period pro-rated depending on when a gift or uncompensated transfer is made?
Co-Authored by Joanna C. Feldman, Esq. The short answer is no, but let’s go further. Medicaid applications to cover expenses in a nursing...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
How to Deal With Student Loan Debt as You Age
The number of older Americans with student loan debt – either theirs or someone else’s — is growing. Sadly, learning how to deal with...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
Using a Donor-Advised Fund May Be a Way to Get a Charitable Tax Break Under the New Tax Law
Donor-advised funds are a growing trend in giving that may get more popular due to the new tax law. These funds allow you to donate...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
How long does a Medicaid home care application take? What is the process?
Co-written by Joanna C. Feldman, Esq. An application for Medicaid benefits to cover home care services is less complicated than an...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
Does Your Estate Plan Need Updating?
Regardless of whether your estate plan is basic or complex, it is important to review the plan every few years for reasons that include...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
Do I still need a Last Will and Testament if I designate beneficiaries for all of my assets?
Co-Authored by Joanna C. Feldman Many people ask whether – or even why – they need a Last Will and Testament (“Will”) if they designate...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
Protecting Your House After You Move Into a Nursing Home
While you generally do not have to sell your home in order to qualify for Medicaid coverage of nursing home care, it is possible the...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
Getting Paid as a Family Caregiver Through Medicaid
Caring for an ailing family member is difficult work, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be unpaid work. There are programs available...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
How Parents Can Provide for a Caregiver Child
Taking care of a parent can be a full-time job. Children may have to give up paying jobs in order to provide care to aging parents....
Salvatore Di Costanzo
Gift Tax
How much can I gift each year? Most people think you can only gift $15,000.00 per recipient in 2019. You might be surprised to hear that...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
Do You Have a Powerless Power of Attorney?
The Power of Attorney (“POA”) and Statutory Gifts Rider (“SGR”) are two of the most important documents drafted by an elder law...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
Report Ranks States on Nursing Home Quality and Shows Families' Conflicted Views
A new report that combines nursing home quality data with a survey of family members ranks the best and worst states for care and paints...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
What can I do if I have specific wishes regarding my burial?
First and foremost, I recommend that you have an open discussion with your family about the disposition of your remains. These are very...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
Medicaid Home Care
Traditionally, Medicaid has paid for long-term care in a nursing home, but because most individuals would rather be cared for at home and...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
How can I be eligible for Medicaid if I have assets?
One of the most unfortunate situations in my practice is when I hear that someone spent most, if not all, of their assets on the cost of...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
The Intersection of IRAs and Long-Term Care
Second to the house, an individual retirement account (“IRA”) is usually the largest asset when looking into someone’s financial...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
I’m considering a Medicaid Trust but I’m afraid of losing control. How much control do I really lose?
A Medicaid Trust is an irrevocable trust designed to protect your assets from the staggering costs of long-term care, usually nursing...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
What three documents should someone have if they’re a bit too young for a Medicaid Trust?
Co-authored by Joanna C. Feldman This question was recently asked at an event we hosted during which we discussed strategies to leave a...
Salvatore Di Costanzo
bottom of page