Blog
Stimulus Payments, Benefits, and COVID-19 Funeral Costs
With a new round of stimulus payments arriving due to the 2021 American Rescue Plan, some individuals have concerns about how these payments may impact eligibility for need-based government benefits. The good news is that these payments are not considered income and...
Costs of Guardianship and Conservatorship
If a person becomes incapacitated and is unable to manage their own affairs, a guardianship and conservatorship may be necessary if the incapacitated person did not make other arrangements in the form of a power of attorney. However, the process of appointing a...
When to Establish a Special Needs Trust
A Special Needs Trust, also known as a Supplemental Needs Trust, is a type of trust that allows for a person with special needs to receive support while still maintaining eligibility for government benefits. One question parents, or other relatives, of special needs...
Pet Trusts
Thinking about what will happen to one’s pets can be a major concern for pet owners. The questions about what will happen to any pets involves both deciding who will take care of the pets and also how to pay for the expenses of pet ownership. To deal with these...
Choosing a Nursing Home
There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing a nursing home. While certain factors, such as services offered and ratings, are important, it is also important to take more personal judgments into account. A particular facility may seem to meet an...
Trusts and Medicaid Planning
Trusts can be a powerful tool in estate planning, but only certain trusts can protect assets while ensuring eligibility for Medicaid nursing home coverage. Before starting any Medicaid planning, it is important to meet with an experienced, local elder law attorney to...
COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
The administration of COVID-19 vaccines has started across the United States and in Missouri. However, due to limited supplies, vaccinations will be done in phases. For the vaccinations to be maximally effective, individuals need to receive two doses of the vaccine...
Exempt Transfers and Medicaid Eligibility
When applying for Medicaid nursing home coverage, an applicant’s income and assets have to be under a restrictive cap to be eligible for the benefit. As part of the eligibility determination, the state Medicaid agency also looks back at any below market transfers that...
St. Louis County Relaxes Nursing Home Visitation Guidelines
Following guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, St. Louis County has issued new guidelines that relax the rules restricting visits to nursing home residents due to the COVID-19...
Power of Attorney for Property
A power of attorney for property is a valuable tool to protect a person’s financial wellbeing in case of incapacity. However, not all powers of attorney for property are equally effective. A form downloaded off the internet may claim to be a valid power of attorney,...
