Margolis & Bloom

617.267.9700

firm@margolis.com

www.margolis.com

Boston, Dedham, Framingham, Woburn

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Mother's Favortism Held Not to Reflect Incompetence

CMS Releases the Spousal Impoverishment Numbers for 2014

The expense of nursing home care - which ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 a month or more - can rapidly deplete the lifetime savings of elderly couples. In 1988, Congress enacted "spousal impoverishment" provisions to protect the spouse who is still living at home. These provisions help ensure that the community spouse had adequate resources.

Below are figures for 2014 that are frequently used in the elder law practice or are of interest to clients.

Medicaid Spousal Impoverishment Figures for 2014

The new minimum community spouse resource allowance (CSRA) is $23,448 and the new maximum CSRA is $117,240.
The new maximum monthly maintenance needs allowance is $2,931. The minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance remains $1,891.25 ($2,365 for Alaska and $2,176.25 for Hawaii) until July 1, 2014.

Medicaid Home Equity Limits

Minimum: $543,000; Maximum: $814,000

Income Cap

The income cap for 2014 applicable in "income cap" states will be $2,163 a month.

For the CMS document announcing the 2014 figures, click here.

Earn 2 CEUs at our next Law School for Social Workers

Join Attorneys D'Agostino and Vidoli on Thursday, December 12th, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Zelma Lacey House in Charlestown, as they host our next Law School for Social Workers. Topics will include MassHealth coverage for care in the community and guardianship. Social Workers will receive 2 CEUs and the program is free of charge.

Click here to learn more and to register.

Nursing Homes Are Not the Enemy

Some elder law attorneys

have been advertising in The Boston Globe and on the radio in a way that implies that nursing homes are trying to take the money of seniors and deprive their children of an inheritance. These are outrageous claims. Nursing home provide 24-hour care to seniors at the end of their lives that neither they nor their family members can provide at home.

Click here to learn more.

Capacity, Finances, and the Elderly: Brain Science Meets the Law

How might the science of aging help protect older adults from victimization and undue influence? Where do we draw the line between protection and paternalism? What constitutes a bad financial decision? Who needs additional protections?

Join the conversation on December 12th at 6:30 p.m., in Brigham and Women's Hospital's Bornstein Amphitheater, where the Center for Law, Brain and Behavior will join forces with the Boston Society of Neurology and Psychiatry to host a conversation among experts in neurology (Bruce H. Price MD), psychiatry (Rebecca Brendel MD, JD), and the law (Attorney Susan Stenger and Judge Susan Ricci). Kay Lazar of The Boston Globe will moderate a panel discussion after remarks from the four speakers.

Click here to learn more and to register.

2 CEC's from Right at Home: End of Life Care for the LGBT Client

This program provides insight into the unique end-of-life needs of LGBT patients. Rabbi Julie Wolkoff, from Care Alternatives Hospice of Massachusetts, will discuss how the lives of LGBT patients are impacted by a wide range of personal emotional, and legal issues and how we can address them.

The program will take place on Thursday, December 5th from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at Wingate at Sudbury, located on 136 Boston Post Road.

To register, contact Bob DePeron by calling 617.597.1500 or by e-mailing him at bob@rahbostonmetro.com.

Margolis & Bloom | 617/267-9700 | firm@margolis.com | http://www.margolis.com

535 Boylston Street, 8th Floor

Boston, MA 02116

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