Asset protection: saving your house with a trust
For many middle class seniors, the house is one of their major assets – sometimes the most valuable asset. I’m often asked, “How do I save my house from being lost to nursing home costs?” The answer in many situations is through the use of an asset protection trust...
“Exceptional circumstances” can mean more income for Medicaid spouse
One way the law protects the spouse of a Medicaid recipient is by providing for a monthly allowance of income. The “monthly maintenance needs allowance” (MMNA for short) is an amount of income allowed to the spouse each month. You can read more about how it is...
Buying a Medicaid-qualified annuity for a spouse
One of the most effective ways to protect assets for the spouse of a Medicaid applicant is through the purchase of a Medicaid-qualified annuity. First, an important disclaimer: this blog post is meant to be educational and informative, but is IN NO WAY meant to be...
Denied Medicaid due to excess resources? What to do next
If you have received a notice from the Medicaid agency saying you are ineligible because your resources are too high, you may be wondering what to do next. The answer will depend on your circumstances. (This post describes Medicaid rules in Pennsylvania, where I...
Guide to Medicaid Current Numbers in PA
At the end of 2016, we adjusted the Medicaid Current Numbers page on our website to display the figures effective January 1. For those unfamiliar with the terminology of that page, here is a guide: “CSRA” – Community Spouse Resource Allowance When a Medicaid applicant...About Andrew Sykes
The founder of Sykes Elder Law, Andrew Sykes is recognized as a leading elder law authority in Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Sykes is the past chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association.