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Welcome to the December issue of the

Texas Elder Law E-letter


Seasons Greetings!

Our next free "Estate Planning Essentials" Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. To sign up for the January Workshop or any Bonus Workshops (described below), you may call us at (214) 720-0102 or sign up online at http://www.dallaselderlawyer.com or click here to register online. There has been a waiting list for the last several Workshops. So, if interested (or you know someone interested), it is probably best to sign up sooner rather than later.

We are also having a free Bonus Workshop on Thursday, January 19, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on “New Options in Long-Term Care Insurance” that will be presented by Len R. Martinez. Mr. Martinez is a Registered Investment Advisor Representative in Texas who works primarily with clients planning for, nearing or in retirement.

 Also don't forget Michael B. Cohen can be heard on his radio show "Know Your Legal Rights" which is every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. and every Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on KAAM 770 AM (the Saturday show may be scheduled for a different time in year 2017). Podcasts of the shows are available on our website. If you want a question to be addressed on a future show, please mention the same on our website, and we'll discuss the relevant topics.

Len R. Martinez is not associated or affiliated with Michael B. Cohen & Associates

WILL LADYBIRD DEEDS BECOME OBSOLETE UNDER TRUMP?

At our December estate planning workshop, there were several questions about the use of enhanced life estate (“Ladybird”) deeds to protect a Medicaid recipient’s homestead from the state’s Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (“MERP”).

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SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST FAIRNESS ACT BECOMES LAW

On December 13, 2016, President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act which contains the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act that allows disabled persons with mental capacity to create their own special needs trust.

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VETERANS BENEFITS INCREASE ANNOUNCED

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced its 2017 rate increases for certain wartime military veterans not dishonorably discharged or their surviving spouses.

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IRS Issues Long-Term Care Premium Deductibility Limits for 2017

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is increasing the amount taxpayers can deduct from their 2017 taxes as a result of buying long-term care insurance.

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When Can You Delay Taking Medicare?

While you are eligible to apply for Medicare when you are 65, there are circumstances where you might not want to, particularly if you are working full time for a larger employer or contributing to a health savings account.

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Part B Premium Will Rise Slightly for Most Medicare Beneficiaries in 2017

After holding steady at $104.90 a month for four years, the standard Medicare Part B premium that most recipients pay will rise 4 percent to $109 a month.  

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How to Pass Your Home to Your Children Tax-Free

Giving your house to your children can have tax consequences, but there are ways to accomplish it tax-free. The best method to use will depend on your individual circumstances and needs.

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