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June 21, 2010
Inside The Medicaid Look Back Period
When faced with the possibility of penalizing an ill father for paying for the joyous wedding of his daughter, HRA approved the Medicaid application. Recently a wife sought our advice in obtaining Medicaid nursing home care for her ailing husband. While we were discussing their various assets and transfers it was discovered that only months prior to being diagnosed as terminally ill, the applicant had paid for his daughter's wedding to the tune of approximately $50,000. With the possibility that we may need to go to a fair hearing to have a judge decide their fate, the wife retained our law firm.
We recently received an approval on this application after months of gathering voluminous documentation. We took the position that this was not an uncompensated transfer. Having been shown receipts that all of the wedding expenses were paid directly by the father, HRA did not hesitate to approve this application without a Medicaid transfer penalty.
Congratulations to my associate, Deanna Eble, for the preparation and filing of the Medicaid application and her good work in getting it approved.
Vincent J. Russo & Associates, P.C.
www.VJRussoLaw.com |
It is not too late!
We invite you to come to the Gala Reception - Individuals can enjoy an open bar and buffet dinner for $100.
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AUTISM INSURANCE BILL
Senate Passed It but There Is More To Do
On June 9, 2010, the New York State Senate passed an autism insurance bill, sponsored by Senator Neil Breslin (D-Delmar) that aims to clarify the scope of coverage that insurance companies will provide. It requires the health commissioner, with three other agencies, to decide which treatments are evidence-based and clinically proven.
The bill passed in the Senate without a single dissenting vote, however many in the autism community say: Not so fast. Although there is wide agreement on parts of Breslin's bill, many autism groups feel it unfairly sets up a treatment review process that doesn't exist for other illnesses and fear that insurers might game the regulatory process to narrow, not expand, the accepted treatments. They favor a simpler bill that lists the treatments. The bill is currently stalled in an Assembly committee and it is not law.
Autism spectrum disorders affect one in 110 children, but no one really knows the cause or causes. |
TEAM RUSSO
A Community Resource
There are over ten free educational seminars available for seniors and people with special needs that we are either hosting or are a guest speaker. Contact us for our seminar listings or go to our website for more information.
Register online or call Judy Murdaugh-Jackson at 800-680-1717 |
