12201 Merit Drive Suite 230 Dallas, TX 75251 | (214) 720-0102 Fax: (214) 754-0936 | www.dallaselderlawyer.com
Personal Message

Welcome to the October issue of the Texas Elder Law E-letter  

HAPPY FALL!

Thank you to all who participated in and/or donated to the 2015 Greater Dallas Walk to End Alzheimer's.  There were over 4,000 walkers including our team (to see a picture of a part of our team, see http://bit.ly/1jUqgKP). It is not too late if you would like to contribute to our team (Michael’s Marchers) by simply following this link http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2015/TX-GreaterDallas?team_id=257398&pg=team&fr_id=7815 as online donations will be accepted until November 30, 2015. 

Our next monthly free Estate Planning Essential Workshop is scheduled for November 12 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Since our workshops normally get full, anyone interested in attending should call Jennifer at (214) 720-0102 to sign up or you can register at www.dallaselderlawyer.com.

Michael B. Cohen recently spoke at the Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation (see link for picture at http://bit.ly/20dnUXK) on issues including Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Medicaid Buy-In and other Medicaid programs.

Michael B. Cohen will also be speaking on November 10 at Seasons 52 in Plano at 6:30 p.m. on estate planning issues in connection with long-term care on behalf of Ricker Retirement*. He will also be speaking on Elder Law on December 2 from for the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA) Expo at the Arlington Convention Center located at 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, Texas 76011. Also if you are not receiving Social Security and you are 50 years old or more, you might sign up at www.dallaselderlawyer.com for the Social Security Seminar with guest expert Tom Clark, presented with Ricker Retirement Specialists on December 8 at Aubelo’s (the dinner is free), 3420 North Central Expressway, Plano, Texas 75075 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. This seminar is primarily designed for those between the ages of 55-65.

Additionally, don’t forget Michael B. Cohen can be heard on Legends KAAM 770 AM every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. and every Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Podcasts of the shows are also available on our website www.dallaselderlawyer.com.

Also, be sure to tune into Legends KAAM 770 AM each Sunday afternoon at 3:00 for “Attacking Alzheimer’s with the Alzheimer’s Association”. Topics of discussion include the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, managing caregiver stress and other tips and resources.

*Michael B. Cohen & Associates and Ricker Retirement Specialists are not affiliated, and they have not requested nor authorized any association with Michael B. Cohen & Associates.

STAGGERING INCREASE IN MEDICARE PART B PREMIUMS AVERTED BY CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET DEAL

Congress and the White House have reached a budget deal on October 28 that otherwise could have resulted in as much as thirty percent of Medicare beneficiaries seeing a fifty two percent increase in their monthly Medicare Part B premiums (which cover doct

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GOVERNMENT PAID HOME CARE NOW EASIER TO GET

In situations where one spouse needs care (i.e., assistance with activities of daily living) at home, it just became easier to obtain Medicaid coverage where the government pays someone to give care at home.

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GOVERNMENT PAID NURSING HOME CARE COSTS FOR APPLICANTS WITH AN IRA GETS EASIER

Due to a recent interpretation of the term “annuity” by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid coverage (such as payment of nursing home care costs and drugs) for an applicant with an IRA just became easier.

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Court Approves Use of Short-Term Annuities for Medicaid Planning

A federal appeals court has ruled that Medicaid officials must accept applicants' short-term annuities, providing more certainty for Medicaid applicants' use of this important planning tool. 

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Incentives to Keep Working While You Collect Social Security

If you are able to continue working while receiving Social Security benefits, you can increase your overall benefit. In addition, although your benefits may be reduced due to your work, you can recoup those lost benefits.

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Woman's Efforts to Change Will Without Professional Assistance Backfire

A recent court decision in Minnesota serves as a cautionary reminder to anyone thinking of changing their estate plan on their own. 

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Incentive Trusts: Ensuring That an Inheritance Will Be Well Spent

Some parents, fearful of how a large inheritance will affect their heirs, set up what are known as “incentive trusts” that ensure that the trust funds support positive behavior and discourage unproductive activities. 

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