Elder law is constantly evolving. The attorneys at Janna Dutton & Associates understand the importance of staying informed within this growing field of law. This newsletter was designed with you in mind and includes articles and links below that help highlight some of the most recent developments in elder law.
Janna Dutton & Associates: Compassionate Advocates for Elders, Persons with Disabilities, and Their Families
November is National Family Caregivers Month
On October 30, 2009, President Obama proclaimed November 2009 to be National Family Caregivers Month.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that with no increase in the consumer price index upon which the spousal impoverishment standards are based, there will be no increase in the community spouse resource allowances (CSRA) and the maximum monthly maintenance needs allowance for 2010. The figures for 2009 will remain in effect.
In Illinois, the current community spouse asset allowance is $109,560 and the community spouse monthly maintenance needs allowance is $2,739.
For the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' memo announcing the unchanged spousal impoverishment standards for 2010, click here.
Medicare Part B Premiums to Rise 15 Percent for Some, or Maybe None
After not rising last year, the basic premium for Medicare Part B will shoot up 15 percent to $110.50 a month in 2010. But most beneficiaries will be exempted from paying this increase. Whether the rest will be able to avoid it as well remains to be seen.
Understanding the Differences Between a Will and a Trust
Everyone has heard the terms "will" and "trust," but not everyone knows the differences between the two. Both are useful estate planning devices that serve different purposes, and both can work together to create a complete estate plan.
Book Review: The Alzheimer's Advisor: A Caregiver's Guide to Dealing with the Tough Legal and Practical Issues
Vaughn E. James. The Alzheimer's Advisor: A Caregiver's Guide to Dealing with the Tough Legal and Practical Issues
Caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease is complicated enough, but often overlooked are the legal implications of the disease. This book provides a guide to the legal and ethical aspects of caring for a family member with Alzheimer's. For the complete article.....
IRS Issues Long-Term Care Premium Deductibility Limits for 2010
The Internal Revenue Service has announced the 2010 limitations on the deductibility of long-term care insurance premiums from taxes. For the first time, the maximum deductible limit for an individual exceeds $4,000.
If you are over 65 and preparing to move to another county or state, be sure to add "check Medicare plan" to your to-do list. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you'll need to make sure it will still cover you after you move.
Look for more articles and links in next month's edition of the Dutton Elder Law Newsletter.
-Janna Dutton & Associates
Janna Dutton & Associates, P.C., Attorneys at Law One North LaSalle Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60602 312-899-0950, 312-899-0959 (fax) Satellite Office: 5225 Old Orchard Road, Suite 25B, Skokie IL, 60077 (by appointment only)
On October 30, 2009, President Obama proclaimed November 2009 to be National Family Caregivers Month. 
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that with no increase in the consumer price index upon which the spousal impoverishment standards are based, there will be no increase in the community spouse resource allowances (CSRA) and the maximum monthly maintenance needs allowance for 2010. The figures for 2009 will remain in effect.
After not rising last year, the basic premium for Medicare Part B will shoot up 15 percent to $110.50 a month in 2010. But most beneficiaries will be exempted from paying this increase. Whether the rest will be able to avoid it as well remains to be seen. 
Everyone has heard the terms "will" and "trust," but not everyone knows the differences between the two. Both are useful estate planning devices that serve different purposes, and both can work together to create a complete estate plan. 
The Internal Revenue Service has announced the 2010 limitations on the deductibility of long-term care insurance premiums from taxes. For the first time, the maximum deductible limit for an individual exceeds $4,000.
If you are over 65 and preparing to move to another county or state, be sure to add "check Medicare plan" to your to-do list. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you'll need to make sure it will still cover you after you move.