Should You Prepare a Medicaid Application Yourself?

Medicaid is the single largest health care provider in the United States, covering more than 75 million individuals, including 7.2 million seniors. The program is also Americans’ primary source of long-term care coverage. Jointly financed by the federal government and...

James M. McKain J.D.

James M. McKain James McKain joined Shepherd Elder Law Group in the summer of 2024 as a Senior Attorney. James comes to SEL with over 10 years of experience in the fields of elder law, trusts and estates, and special needs planning. James started his adult life...

Medicaid Spend Down: Paying for More Than Just Medical Bills

Since the 1960s, Medicaid has provided health care coverage for low-income people across the United States. For millions of seniors, Medicaid offers financial assistance, helping them to cover the cost of long-term care services. Today, this joint federal-state...

I am planning my estate. Should I use a Revocable Living Trust?

Whether a revocable living trust is right for you depends on various factors related to your personal situation and estate planning goals. Here are some considerations to help you determine if a revocable living trust might be beneficial: 1. Avoiding Probate If you...

New Social Security Website: Login.gov

A free and secure online account can be used to manage Social Security benefits. Account users can also check application status, request a replacement Social Security card, and view notices online. By 2022, more than 64 million people had a my Social Security...

Funding a Special Needs Trust With a Structured Settlement

If you win a personal injury lawsuit, you may receive your award in a lump sum or as a structured settlement. With a structured settlement, you will receive payments over time; you may opt for a substantial initial amount, with lesser succeeding payments to provide...

Estate Planning & Your College Freshman

Many people associate estate planning as a task to be completed when one is wealthy, old, or both. In reality, estate planning should be done for everyone at the onset of adulthood – which is age 18. This will ensure that a person is protected (and wishes met)...

Medicaid Eligibility & Exempt Assets

For Medicaid purposes, certain assets are considered exempt (or non-countable) when determining eligibility. It can be valuable to be aware of such exemptions prior to the immediate need for long-term care. These exemptions can vary by state, but generally, the...

Proposed Medicare Bill to Help Seniors With Medical Costs

In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, one critical challenge has been ensuring that Medicare recipients receive the coverage they need without undue financial burdens. A new legislative effort aims to address a particularly perplexing issue: the distinction...

Know Your Options Before Signing Up for Medicare

As you get ready to turn 65, you may be inundated with information about Medicare. All this information is confusing, but it is important to do your research before choosing your plan. If you aren’t fully informed, you could end up making mistakes that will cost you...