Join me tomorrow at the Riverton Senior Center for a clinic on the Utah Advance Directive as part of the Aging Mastery Program sponsored by the National Commission on Aging. Pre-registration is required. See you there!
Why all Estate Planning Should Address Disability
No one likes to think about the possibility of their own disability or the disability of a loved one. However, as the statistics below demonstrate, we should all plan for at least a temporary disability. Disability planning is one area where we can give each and every person and family we work with great...
Reasons Why Everyone Needs a Comprehensive Power of Attorney-Kathie Brown Roberts P.C.
The benefits of a highly detailed, comprehensive power of attorney are numerous. Unfortunately, many powers of attorney are more general in nature and can actually cause more problems than they solve, especially for our senior population. This entry highlights the benefits of a comprehensive, detailed power of attorney, including some of the provisions that...
Join me at Hyatt Place/Seminar on Protecting Assets While Qualifying for Medicaid
I will be speaking at the NBI seminar "Protecting Assets while Qualifying for Medicaid" on 5/2/2015 at Hyatt Place, Downtown Salt Lake City. You may phone (801) 456-6300 to register.
Proposed Changes to VA Benefits- Kathie Brown Roberts P.C.
On January 23, 2015, the Department of Veteran Affairs (hereinafter “VA”) issued proposed changes to the regulations affecting VA Pension eligibility, a needs-based program. In support of the proposed changes to the regulations, the VA points to the results of a 2012 Government Accountability Offices (GAO) report. That report recommended changes in order to “maintain...
Medicaid Planning: Converting Assets and Transfers for Fair Market Value in Utah-Kathie Brown Roberts P.C.
Converting Assets from Countable to Exempt/Transfers for Fair Market Value/Medicaid Compliant Annuities.
In order to qualify financially for Medicaid long term care in Utah, cash assets in excess of $2000.00 (of a single prospective applicant) may be used to pay off debts such as mortgage on home, vehicle, purchase of funeral plot...
The Family Home and Medicaid Eligibility in Utah-Kathie Brown Roberts P.C.
When does home become a countable asset?
In short, a home (and one lot) is normally an exempt asset for a Medicaid long term care applicant.[1] If the home is sold and the proceeds of the home are not reinvested into another home, the proceeds become countable. Additionally, to the extent that the single...
Transferring Title to your Home and Utah Medicaid
The Utah Department of Health policy manual section 371-4 provides that the home of a Medicaid applicant may be transferred to the following protected classes without incurring a transfer penalty or impacting the applicant’s eligibility:
(i) Spouse;
(ii) Blind or disabled son or daughter;
(iii) Son or daughter under 21;
(iv) Son or...
The Able Act…a Medicaid 529 Plan?
The ABLE Act Defined
The ABLE Act is a federal law that allows states to establish a savings program for persons with disabilities. The program is modeled after the 529 savings accounts. ABLE accounts may be used to accumulate savings, with certain restrictions, for use by a beneficiary with a disability.
Special Needs Trusts and Pending Legislation
Understanding Special Needs Trusts
A Special Needs Trust is a trust that is established for an individual with special needs who is or may become dependent on public benefits. The trust is specifically identified to meet certain supplemental needs and to enhance the quality of life for the beneficiary, the...