What is happening? There has been a concerning trend with MassHealth’s treatment of irrevocable trusts. What once was a reliable asset protection strategy has now become a minefield of adverse and unlawful MassHealth decisions that result in benefit ineligibility. In a nutshell, MassHealth caseworkers and hearing officers are denying MassHealth
By Neal A. Winston, CELA Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly cash payment to qualifying individuals with disabilities, based on financial need. While it often forms the foundation of their financial security, its requirements are both strict and complex. Even attorneys who don’t routinely deal with public benefits may get confused.
Given the number of options available for at-home care and financial assistance from state Medicaid (called MassHealth or CommonHealth in Massachusetts) programs, we are now seeing a growing trend of nursing home residents regaining their independence and transitioning back into the community. This is a very attractive possibility for those
Following a hospital inpatient stay of at least three days, Medicare will pay for care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for up to 100 days for each period of coverage. This is often called “rehabilitation” coverage and can be provided in a dedicated rehabilitation facility, certain parts of some
Did you know that May is Older Americans Month? According to the 2010 U.S. Census, there are 40.3 million older Americans – people who are 65 and older in the United States, which is 13% of the population. In recognition of Older Americans Month, which was first designated in May
