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For our attorney profiles, click on the photograph above. |
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Our Office Locations:
At Dutton & Casey, P.C., we understand the importance of convenience.
In addition to our main downtown Chicago location, we also offer appointments at our satellite offices in Skokie and Arlington Heights.
Chicago:
1 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60602 Skokie: 5225 Old Orchard Road, Suite 25B Skokie, IL 60077
1655 N. Arlington Heights Road,
Suite 306 West
Arlington Heights, IL 60004 |
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 Elder Law Update:
December
2010 |
Elder law is constantly evolving. The attorneys and staff at Dutton & Casey, P.C. understand the importance of staying informed within this expanding field of elder law. Our 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 and Life Care Planning.
Staying informed can make a difference in how we, or those we care about, plan for inevitable changes and how we react to sudden ones.
Dutton & Casey, P.C.
Compassionate Advocates for Elders, Persons with Disabilities, and Their Families
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Janna Dutton Advocates Against Proposed Medicaid Changes | |
Part of the mission of Dutton & Casey, P.C., is to serve as a resource and an advocate for the community at large.
With this in mind, on November 30, Partner Janna Dutton, and other members of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys went to Springfield to meet with members of The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR)regarding objections to the proposed changes to the Medicaid program in Illinois. JCAR is a 12 member bipartisan legislative oversight committee that "conducts several integrated review programs, including a review program for proposed, emergency and peremptory rulemaking, a review of new public acts and a complaint review program." What can you do to advocate against the proposed Medicaid changes? 1. Contact the legislators from JCAR and voice your concerns. 2. Keep reading this newsletter, as we will keep you informed of public hearings and other opportunities to advocate. 
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Erin's Corner: |
This is the article that ran in the November issue. However, as it is crucial that Medicare Beneficiaries review their plans, I am running it again.
Medicare D Prescription Drug Plan's Annual
Open Enrollment is from November 15 - December 31, 2010
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Erin Vogt, Dutton & Casey's Resident Social Worker and Care Advocate |
Beneficiaries can only switch plans during the annual enrollment period from November 15 - December 31, 2010 and the new plan becomes effective January 1, 2011. For guidance in comparing and selecting the best prescription plan for your individual needs, you can use Medicare's website www.medicare.gov and select their Prescription Drug Plan Comparison Tool or you can call Medicare's toll free hotline at 1-800-MEDICARE or 1-800-633-4227.
The Circuit Breaker. Applications must be filed no later than December 31, 2010
If you are eligible, this program offers 3 possible benefits; the first part is a cash grant that is based on your property tax/rent and your income, the second is a discount on your license plate renewal fee, and the third is a pharmaceutical benefit. To qualify you must be 65+ or 16 or older and totally disabled. An Illinois resident with a household size of one must have had income in 2009 of no more than $27,610 and a couple $36,635. For assistance, visit www.cbrx.il.gov or call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.
Another resource to help you understand Medicare and Medicare related services is the Senior Health Insurance Program, known as SHIP. SHIP is a free statewide health insurance counseling service, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Insurance, for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. Phone 1-800-548-9034 or www.insurance.illinois.gov/ship
As always, I am available to assist you.
Contact Erin directly:
Phone: (312)371-0954
Email: evogt@duttonelderlaw.com |
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 New Medicare Premium, Deductible and Co-Pay Charges for 2011
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The basic premium for Medicare Part B will be $115.40 a month in 2011, up from $110.50 in 2010 (a 4.4 percent increase). But, because there will be no cost of living benefit increase for Social Security recipients for 2011, most beneficiaries will be exempted from paying this increase and will instead pay the same $96.40 premium amount they have paid since 2008.
Click here to read the full article. |
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IRS Form 56 Allows Adult to Name Another Agent |
In the next decade, over one fourth of the population is expected to have dementia. After age 65, one out of two of us will be inflicted. Most of us will have to help our parents or our spouse by filing their tax return and maybe handling an IRS audit. Herein lies the problem: the IRS is not allowed to disclose information to anyone other than the taxpayer.
The solution: the IRS had its attorneys issue a legal memo stating that the simple Form 56 solves the problem. If your parents file a Form 56 naming you as their agent, then you can handle their IRS tax matters. Form 56 is short and simple, but it must be signed by the parent before they lose their mental capacity.
To read more about the IRS legal memo, click here.
To see or print out Form 56, click here.
For questions about asset planning for yourself or a loved one, contact our office at (312)899-0950 or check us out online at www.duttonelderlaw.com. |
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Book Review: 47 Secret Veterans' Benefits for Seniors | |
Many veterans don't realize all the benefits available to them and their family members. This book provides older veterans and their advocates with insider tips to help them get their full benefits, some of which pay for long-term care services.
Click here for the article. |
Janna Dutton Authors Article on Possible Risks for Veterans Purchasing Annuities | |
Partner Janna Dutton has authored an article on the surprising facts that veterans should know before they think about purchasing an annuity.
Click here to read the article. |
| Courts Reject 'Urban Legend' That Medicare Nursing Coverage Requires Improvement |
In welcome news for seniors and the disabled with chronic conditions, two federal courts in the past two months have ruled that Medicare's coverage of skilled care does not require a beneficiary to show improvement. Instead, both courts said that Medicare can pay for skilled care if it is needed simply to preserve a patient's current functioning or prevent further decline.
Read the article.
For questions and/or concerns about the care you, or someone you care about, is receiving, please contact our office at (312) 899-0950. |
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IRS Issues Long-Term Care Premium Deductibility Limits for 2011 | |
Social Security benefits may be stagnant, but the IRS is increasing the amount you can deduct on your 2011 taxes as a result of buying long-term care insurance.
Click here to read the full article. |
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Our January Issue:
The New Year brings changes. Keep up-to-date on issues concerning elder law, including more articles, links and firm news in future editions of the Dutton & Casey, P.C. Elder Law Update eNewsletter.
~All of us at Dutton & Casey, P.C., wish you a wonderful New Year. |
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Dutton & Casey, P.C., Attorneys at Law
One North LaSalle Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60602
312-899-0950 (phone) 312-899-0959 (fax)
Satellite Offices (By Appointment Only)
1655 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 306 West, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
and 5225 Old Orchard Road, Suite 25B, Skokie IL 60077
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