Linda L. Kordes, Attorney at Law
NEWS
- Oct 1, 2010 - The article focuses on the need for a well-drafted and executed power of attorney to delegate authority on behalf of an elderly or disabled person, and where none exists, the need to then commence a guardianship proceeding to obtain that same authority. Guardianships are expensive, time consuming, and, in many cases, difficult to win. Two case studies present unique issues of law within the scope of the Mental Hygiene laws, the statutes that govern most aspects of the guardianship proceeding.
- July 25, 2008 - The New York State budget reflects a substantial increase in the Medicaid resource limits: from $4,350.00 to $13,050.00 for a single applicant.
- Sept 19, 2007 - We are pleased to announce that we now accept American Express for all payments and services. This will provide our clients with a larger variety of payment options.
- Aug 6, 2007 - Anyone who does not wish to be kept alive in the event of a persistent vegetative state resulting from illness or injury should prepare specific written directives.
Guardianship Concerns in New York State
Medicaid Resource Limit Increase
American Express Now Accepted for Payments
Health-Care Proxies
Continuing Care Retirement Community Options Are Growing
As continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) gain in popularity, the payment options are growing as well. CCRCs offer a spectrum of care, from independent housing to assisted living to round-the-clock nursing services, all on one campus. According to an article in the New York Times, the new payment options mean selecting a CCRC has become more complicated.
CCRC residents must pay a large entrance fee plus a monthly fee, but the amount of each fee and what it covers can vary, depending on the contract. There are three basic CCRC contracts: life contracts, which cover unlimited long-term nursing care at little or no increase in the monthly fee; modified contracts, which include a specified duration of long-term nursing care, beyond which fees rise as care increases; and fee-for-service contracts, in which residents pay a reduced monthly fee but pay full daily rates for long-term nursing care.
“All these choices mean that CCRC contracts have become much more confusing. There is help available.”
Communities typically offer several variations on each contract. Some CCRCs give residents the option of paying a higher entry fee, which remains refundable. Part of the entry fee will be refunded either to the resident when the resident moves or to the resident's estate once the resident dies. At some other CCRCs, entrance fees are refundable for a period of time, and then become nonrefundable. Still other communities may require residents to purchase their residences. What the monthly fee covers can also vary. Some places include housekeeping and meals, and others don't.
All these choices mean that CCRC contracts have become much more confusing. There is help available. At www.ccrcdata.org you can find a directory of CCRCs and sort them by location, price, long-term health coverage, and refund plans. In addition, once you have selected a CCRC, you should have a lawyer review the contract before signing it. Deciding on a CCRC is a once-in-a-lifetime choice, and it is a decision that should be made carefully.
To read the New York Times article reprinted in the International Herald Tribune, click here.