This week, I had two experiences, one in my practice and one in my personal life, that reiterated how challenging our health care system is. First, I had to tell a client that while I could get her 19-year-old son DDD services, there is nothing I could do to get him covered by Medicaid during the two-year waiting period for him to become Medicare eligible.*» Read More
The impact of COVID-19 has disproportionately affected New Jersey seniors living in long-term care facilities. Nearly half of the state’s deaths were residents of these facilities, and nursing homes remain under strict lockdown. I have mourned the loss of clients and listened as families shared devastating stories of death, sudden and drastic decline, and isolation.» Read More
The law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to present this Special Needs Spotlight Webinar Series. In the fifth session, “Creating a Letter of Intent and a Life Plan,” Abbey M. Horwitz, a Member of the firm, spoke with Elizabeth McKenna, CFP and Chartered Special Needs Consultant of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, and Heidi Rome, internationally-recognized expert on the autism journey for mothers, Autism Mom Coach, and founder of Moms Spectrum Oasis.» Read More
For years, elder law attorneys have warned clients about a troubling, curious quirk in the Medicare system. Many times, when older patients are hospitalized, instead of being officially admitted, they are placed on “observation status,” which was originally meant as a temporary designation for individuals who were receiving medical care and tests in a hospital setting until they were released, or a diagnosis was made and they were officially admitted.» Read More
New Jersey Governor Murphy has just made it easier to complete your estate planning during this coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Many law firms, like ours, are offering Zoom meetings and phone consultations to comply with the social distancing measures. We email and mail documents to our clients.» Read More
Every hour another complication of the coronavirus (COVID-19) seems to emerge, many of which seem to fall most heavily on individuals with disabilities and seniors. Obviously, the risk of illness is greatest for the elderly and other people with underlying health illnesses.» Read More