ACTEC Fellows Marsha Goodman of Phoenix, Arizona and Tara Ann Pleat of Clifton Park, New York, are with us today to explain the connection between the public health emergency declaration, Medicaid, and Special Needs Trusts. Welcome, Marsha and Tara. Take it away. Unwinding the COVID Public Health Emergency Declaration Marsha Goodman:  Thank you, Julia. This is Marsha Goodman. Just to […]

When someone in Arizona applies for Medicaid to help with the cost of long term care, the agency (here in Arizona, that agency is ALTCS – the Arizona Long Term Care System) reviews the bank statements of the applicant (and spouse, if the applicant is married), to identify any transfers of funds out of those

During the Public Health Emergency that was put into effect on March 1, 2020, federal law prevented states from terminating anyone’s Medicaid coverage. On April 1, 2023, AHCCCS (the Medicaid program in Arizona) began processing renewal applications, with the goal of reaching a determination for the entire AHCCCS population by March 31, 2024. This includes

It is almost impossible to complete school, look for a job, access public benefits or obtain healthcare without internet access. However, for many families, access to reliable internet is not affordable. To begin to address this issue, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently launched the Affordable Connectivity Program. The ACP provides a discount of

The IRS has recently updated the tables it uses to determine the size of the Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) that need to be withdrawn from IRA or 401(k) accounts each year, based on increases in the average lifespan. Individuals who have contributed to qualified retirement accounts are required to begin taking distributions after reaching age

While helping his father qualify for Medicaid Long Term Care benefits (known as “ALTCS” in Arizona), my client asked whether his father’s application might be denied based on the son’s financial situation. My client has family in Puerto Rico, where the filial responsibility law requiring children who can afford it to contribute to the cost

2025 Public Benefits Eligibility – Quick Reference Guide for Resources and Income  Medicare Basic Part B Premium:  $185.00/month (was $174.40 in 2024)  Note: individuals with annual income > $106,000.00 or married couples with annual income over $212,000.00 will be charged a higher premium Part B Deductible:  $257.00 per year Part A Deductible:  $1,676.00 per benefit

If a patient is unable to return home, where do they go? How will they pay for their care? Who will make the decisions? Increasingly, hospitals are places for only acute care, such as major surgery, intensive care or comprehensive testing and immediate treatment for a serious illness. Once the crisis has passed, the patient

If ever you are unable to voice your instructions concerning your medical treatment — the care you want to receive, and when you want and do not want to receive it — your Advance Directives will do your talking for you. Below: Important Tips | Health Care Power of Attorney | Mental Health Power of

The benefit available to the veteran or surviving spouse is the amount necessary to make up the difference between the applicant’s Income for VA Purposes (IVAP) and the maximum benefit amount. Veterans who are disabled or over age 65, and who served during specified periods of war, and who were not dishonorably discharged, may be