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Please Click HerePosted on October 26, 2022 by Jessica A. Merkel
Paying for nursing-home and long-term care can seem daunting when the cost can be $5,000 to $12,000 per month – or more. When a married couple is no longer able or willing to privately pay out of pocket for care and chooses to apply for Medicaid, it’s a complex process. The Medicaid agency must analyze […]
Posted on April 14, 2022 by Jessica A. Merkel
Do you prefer face-to-face meetings? Do you struggle getting through a phone tree or finding what you need online? Many of our clients receive Social Security Retirement benefits, Social Security Disability benefits, and various other benefits provided through the Social Security Administration (the “SSA”). Recently, Kilolo Kijakazi, the Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced that […]
Posted on November 23, 2021 by Mark D. Munson and Jessica A. Merkel
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) recently released key Medicare figures for 2022 that will affect all elderly and disabled individuals who receive program benefits. This notice summarizes the changes and their impact on various benefits. As is normally the case, Medicare deductibles and premiums have both increased and decreased for 2022. Many […]
Posted on August 9, 2021 by Jessica A. Merkel
On Friday, August 6, 2021, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed into law six new laws for Wisconsin. One of the new laws, addresses five key issues regarding the elderly. They are: Increased penalties for crimes committed against an elderly individual. Increased the penalty for the sexual assault of an elderly individual. Creates a crime of […]
Posted on June 16, 2021 by Shanna N. Yonke
Summertime is a special time of year in Wisconsin. It brings many families to cabins where they create memories and traditions that will be cherished forever. However, many problems arise if families do not create a plan for the future ownership and management of the family cabin. The cabin may be subject to the claims […]
Posted on June 1, 2021 by Mark D. Munson and Jessica A. Merkel
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recently announced the “minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance” (“MMMNA”) will be increased from $2,873.34 to $2,903.34 starting on July 1, 2021. As part of laws designed to prevent spousal impoverishment due to the high cost of long-term care, the “community spouse” (who is the spouse of an individual receiving […]
Posted on May 10, 2021 by Ruder Ware Alumni
We all want to save time and money when possible. So, when I am asked if the standard Wisconsin power of attorney for finances is sufficient, I understand the motivation to put a crucial document in place quickly and economically. The state form is legally valid and will give your agent certain powers to manage […]
Posted on January 14, 2021 by Jessica A. Merkel
In this month’s Medicaid Minute, Elder Law Attorney Jessica Merkel answers the question of what to do if you or a loved one received a notice from Medicaid stating your monthly cost of care may rise in February. She covered this topic in a previous Medicaid Minute from November 12, going back to April of […]
Posted on January 6, 2021 by Ruder Ware Alumni
UPDATE: Our July 28, 2020, post informed you that the Wisconsin Medicaid divisor would remain unchanged in 2020. As we enter 2021, the Medicaid divisor will now be changed as follows. These changes are effective as of January 1, 2021. New daily average divisor = $303.38 New monthly average divisor = $9,227.81 If you have […]
Posted on November 23, 2020 by Mark D. Munson
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) recently released key Medicare figures for 2021 that will affect all elderly and disabled individuals who receive program benefits. This notice summarizes the changes and their impact on various benefits. As is normally the case, Medicare deductibles and premiums have increased for 2021. Many deductibles and co-pays […]