When it comes to certain aspects of Elder Law, such as Medicaid or Long Term Care Planning and Asset Protection, laws are constantly changing. For that reason, it’s important to stay updated on any recent elder laws, as they may impact you. Read about 3 important elder law updates in 2021 that could impact you.

3 Important Elder Law Updates in 2021: 

1. Medicaid Lookback Period: Lookback periods vary from state to state. In New York, the law requires a 5 year lookback period on Medicaid Nursing Home Benefits. This means that transfers that were done during this period are reviewed by Medicaid and a penalty is measured if the asset transfer (or “gifts”) in that period was for less than the full consideration. The transfer rate in New York is $13,037, so you should consider this if you are planning on applying for Medicaid or if you already have Medicaid and are making asset transfers. The Governor has also redesigned the program to implement a 30-month look-back period on any uncompensated transfers for home care or community Medicaid that was supposed to go into effect on April 1, 2021, but has been pushed back to July 1, 2021. Once in effect, those who plan to apply for Medicaid and who already have Medicaid after July 1, 2021, must disclose all transfers going back to October 1, 2020. There are exemptions to this update though. If the transfer is or was made to a spouse or a disabled or blind child, Medicaid does not impose a penalty. Additionally, real estate transfers to a spouse, disabled or blind child, a family caretaker that resides in the home and cares for the loved one for at least 2 years, and a sibling with an equity interest in the estate that resides at the elderly’s home for at least 1 year have been expanded to be exempt from receiving a penalty under the new Elder Laws in New York. When considering applying for Medicaid Nursing Home benefits you should take into account that your transfers prior to and after you apply for coverage matter in regards to your eligibility. 
2. Stimulus Check doesn’t impact Medicaid Eligibility: When assessing your eligibility for Medicaid, the COVID-19 pandemic may cross your mind and specifically the stimulus checks that were given out by the federal government. The three rounds of stimulus payments that were issued from March 2020-April 2021 have been considered to be exempt from Medicaid, SSI, and other need-based benefits. This means that the payments received from the stimulus checks do not count as countable income, and will not compromise your eligibility for any of the benefits named above. This new update gives those who plan to apply for Medicaid or who have Medicaid peace of mind that these payments will not affect their eligibility for their healthcare plan and their loved ones will continue to receive benefits without any issues. 
3. The New Power of Attorney Form: A Power of Attorney (POA) is an important document you should have especially if you are a senior. This document allows you to appoint an individual to make decisions for you when you are unable to do so yourself. The Healthcare Power of Attorney deals with any and all medical decisions that will be made on your behalf by a representative of your choosing in the case that you become incapacitated. This form that was put into effect in 2010 in New York, was known to be complicated and long. Governor Cuomo has recently issued a new form of this Power of Attorney that is simpler and shorter. This new form will go into effect in June 2021 and will not impact those who already signed a power of attorney. This new POA document is different from the one currently in effect. The difference in the new Power of Attorney form is that it’s shorter in length and is simpler in the language that it uses, making it easier for people to understand. An individual who is physically incapable of signing, but is mentally in the right state of mind can appoint a trusted individual to sign the Power of Attorney on their behalf. Banks and Financial institutions that refuse to accept this new version of the Power of Attorney can face penalties and could be subject to legal fees. This new law is great for those who are looking to make decisions on behalf of their loved ones and provide them with the best care possible. If your concerned that your Healthcare Power of Attorney is not up to date, speak with an Elder Law Attorney.

What is Elder Law?

Elder Law is an area of law that relates to issues relevant to older people and their family members and loved ones. Elder law attorneys act as advocates for their elderly clients and can handle a variety of legal matters that affect elderly or disabled people. Some of these issues are related to long-term care planning, guardianship, retirement, estate planning, and Medicaid Planning, along with other important matters. Additionally, an experienced New York City Elder Care Attorney will be able to handle the sensitive and emotional needs of an elderly person, and therefore address complicated situations that concern their clients.

How Can an Elder Law Attorney Help? 

An Elder Law attorney is informed of all current updates to the laws on Medicaid eligibility and other aspects of Elder Law. Unfortunately, Medicaid laws constantly change as well as the requirements of your state so it makes the process of finding the best plan for your loved one even harder. An Elder Law attorney will help simplify this process for you and advise you of all updates to the law creating less problems on this journey of Medicaid planning. Hiring an Elder Law attorney will ensure that you're planning for your loved one’s care in a way that corresponds with the laws imposed by the state in which you reside, while also satisfying their wishes.

For further important updates on the Elder Laws in 2021 please contact the Law Office of Inna Fershteyn at 718-333-2395 to obtain aid in receiving medical coverage to cover the cost of nursing home care and help with any of your Elder law needs.