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Michael B. Cohen & Associates

12201 Merit Drive Suite 230
Dallas, TX 75251
(214) 720-0102

November 2014

Personal Message

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

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

For the fourth straight month, our free monthly “Estate Planning Essentials” workshop was "sold out". If interested in attending our next workshop on December 11, it is suggested you register at your earliest convenience by either calling us at 214-720-0102 or online at www.dallaselderlawyer.com. Space is limited. Also as a bonus for those (or their family) who are enrolled in our maintenance program, there will be a special event where an expert from Social Security (Tom Clark) will speak on how to get the most out of Social Security. This is designed for those approaching retirement or the age when Social Security is to be elected.

This past week, Michael B. Cohen spoke at the Advanced Planning Group of New York Life on the connection between estate planning and public benefits planning. This week (on November 21 at 10:30 a.m.) he will be part of a panel discussion regarding VA and Medicaid at Mercer Place in Rowlett. This event is open to the public.

Last month Michael B. Cohen spoke to the East Texas Estate Planning Council in Tyler on October 1 on the recent attack on Ladybird deeds (see his October article on the latest developments) and other issues concerning planning in connection for long-term care. He also spoke to the Tarrant County Bar Association on October 16 on “What to Do When You Turn 65”. On October 27, he spoke on “Estate Planning Essentials” at the Community Foundation. Michael B. Cohen was also a panelist with Dallas County Probate Court Judge Brenda Thompson, Greg Sampson and the Alzheimer’s Association on “Representation of Clients and Incapacity Issues” before the Dallas Bar Association’s Probate, Trusts and Estates Section on October 28.

Also, don’t forget that Michael B. Cohen can be heard on KAAM 770 every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. and every Saturday (except when the time conflicts with SMU basketball games) at 2:30 p.m. (Saturday time just changed). Podcasts of the shows are available on our website www.dallaselderlawyer.com.

NURSING HOME MEDICAID INCOME CAP TO RISE

As many of you know, Texas is an income cap state in connection with long-term care Medicaid eligibility.

2015 PROTECTED RESOURCE AMOUNT INCREASE - GOVERNMENT HELPS PAY NURSING HOME COST

Although not officially released, projections for the 2015 Protected Resource Amount (“PRA”) dollar figures can now be estimated in light of the consumer price index update recently made.

BILLS OF INTEREST TO ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS DURING CONGRESSIONAL LAME-DUCK SESSION

Although nothing of particular significance is expected during the present Congressional lame-duck session other than passing a short-term bill to fund the government, there are two bills that elder law attorneys are hoping for passage to help the needs o

Social Security Benefits to Inch Up 1.7 Percent in 2015

Estate Planning for a Vacation Home

IRS ISSUES LONG-TERM CARE PREMIUM DEDUCTIBILITY LIMITS FOR 2015

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is increasing the amount taxpayers can deduct from their 2015 taxes as a result of buying long-term care insurance.

POSSIBLE TRANSFER POLICY CHANGE SENDS SHIVERS TO TEXAS ELDER LAW LEGAL COMMUNITY

Since the passage of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 signed on February 8, 2006 (“DRA”), many Texas elder law attorneys have used a transfer planning option (often referred to as “reverse half-a-loaf”) to save at least 50% of the countable resources of

Parents' Medical History May Make Long-Term Care Insurance More Expensive

What Is the Difference Between a 401(k) and an IRA?

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12201 Merit Drive Suite 230, Dallas, TX 75251
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