Senior Law Day 2026
Westchester Senior Law Day will take place on Thursday, October 8. 8:45 am - 2:00 pm at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY. David Cutner Will Present “Nuts and Bolts of Medicaid Planning” at 11:00 AM in the Main Hall Senior Law Day 2026, an important annual community event, is free. […]
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A Trust Is Often the Best Way to Protect Your Home
Trusts are legal structures often used by Elder Law attorneys. Their purpose is to preserve income or assets that you would otherwise be forced to spend on your care. Trusts can be an excellent way to protect your home and preserve your equity. They can shield you from being exposed to Medicaid liens when you […]
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What is the Medicaid “Look Back,” what is the “Penalty Period,” and how do they work?
Learning about the "look back" and "penalty period" can help you understand more about how Medicaid works. Here are the rules and the situations in which they are applicable in New York. First of all: In New York, there are two categories of Medicaid services: Community Medicaid and Nursing Home (Institutional) Medicaid. Community Medicaid covers […]
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How Does a Pooled Income Trust Work? - Including a Flow Chart
Many clients, and people who attend our presentations, have questions about how a Pooled Income Trust (“PIT”) works. These Trusts are indispensable tools for managing your income if you need Community Medicaid services. Using a PIT is not complicated, once you get used to using it, but it requires thinking about your income in a […]
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5 Reasons a Comprehensive Paid Consultation with an Estate Planning or Elder Care Attorney is a Valuable Investment
“Free Elder Law Consultation” - or - “I Just Need a Will”: Two Misguided Ideas You're right to be concerned about your senior years, and about what will happen once you pass away. It’s crucial to become informed about the risks that you face. You can take action to protect yourself, your family, and other […]
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May is Older Americans Month: Champion your Health AND Plan Ahead
Eating right, staying active and planning for long-term care can maximize your quality of life Celebrated every May, Older Americans Month is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities. It was established by the Administration for Community Living, a US government organization. […]
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Finalized NY 2026 Medicaid Resource and Income Levels
New York State has published finalized Medicaid thresholds and limits for income and assets for 2026. Some of the figures are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which the Federal Government publishes in February. Other New York State figures were published at the end of last year. Click on the chart below to print […]
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When You or a Loved One Needs Help: Taking the First Step Can Bring Peace of Mind
The holidays can be joyful, but also sad or anxious. Those who have family and/or good friends can enjoy spending time with their loved ones, but sometimes seeing someone after time spent apart makes you realize that worrisome changes are occurring, and that your family member or friend needs help. Or perhaps you realize that […]
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5 Reasons a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust is an Essential Planning Strategy
More so in New York than in any other state, Medicaid is not “just for poor people.” Medicaid serves millions of people in New York, many of whom own homes and have investments and savings. They and their families would be devastated financially without Medicaid assistance for their long-term care needs. Once someone needs long-term […]
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