Reading a draft will or trust can feel like reading a foreign language. Estate planning and Elder Law documents are packed with dense, technical terminology, so more clients are uploading drafts to free AI chatbots to summarize provisions or check for errors. The AI may catch a typo or two, which is always helpful—but it […]
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Cruel Cuts to Medicaid’s Community and Home Services Have Already Begun
For millions of Americans caring for disabled children, aging parents, or loved ones with developmental disabilities, Medicaid-funded home and community-based services are not a luxury. They are a lifeline. These programs allow family caregivers to provide care at home while receiving compensation for the physically and emotionally demanding work they perform every day. For many […]
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Important Change to Medicaid: Finally, Some Good News for Families Planning for Long-Term Care
Every so often there is a change in the Medicaid rules that makes life a little easier for older adults and their families. This is one of those moments. A recent federal rule change, now formally adopted by New York State, has eliminated a long-standing and often frustrating requirement in the Medicaid eligibility process. For […]
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Why Do You Need an Elder Law Attorney?
Elder law attorneys provide various legal services to help seniors and their families navigate the challenges accompanying the aging process. This includes asset protection but extends beyond applications for Medicaid. An Elder Law attorney will also help coordinate legal planning to address such matters as needing guardianship, help with obtaining Social Security and Veteran’s benefits […]
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When is the Best Time to Use a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust?
Long-term care planning is a critical aspect of estate and financial planning, especially for individuals who may require Medicaid in the future. A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is one of the most effective tools for protecting assets while ensuring Medicaid eligibility. If an individual owns substantial assets, setting up a MAPT early can prevent […]
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Elder Lawyer Stephen J. Silverberg Speaks on Income-Only Trusts for Medicaid Eligibility
On Wednesday, December 4, Elder Law attorney Stephen J. Silverberg will speak before an audience of Elder Law and estate planning attorneys for a Continuing Legal Education program on the topic of drafting income-only trusts for Medicaid eligibility. Mr. Silverberg was invited to speak based on his extensive knowledge of Medicaid planning, the use of […]
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2025 Medicare Advantage Rates Are Finalized: Health Insurance Company Stocks Respond
On April 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the Calendar Year 2025 Rate Announcement for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Programs to update payment policies for these programs, according to a press release from CMS.gov. Payments to the government will increase an average of 3.70 percent from 2024 […]
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NAELA News Article on QLACs Is Top Pick for 2023
This past year, I’ve enjoyed contributing articles to prestigious professional journals, including one of our field’s most respected publications, NAELA News, by the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. With great pride, I announce that my article, “SECURE 2.0 Opens the Door for Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs),” has been recognized as the most-read article […]
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Scott B. Silverberg Keynote Speaker at the 24th Annual Elder and Disability Law Symposium
The New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, a division of the New Jersey State Bar Association, welcomed Scott Silverberg as the keynote speaker for the 24th annual Elder and Disability Law Symposium in early December. His presentation focused on New York’s Medicaid Home Care Program, the legal challenges facing patients and what Elder Law […]
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Climate Change Bill Brings a Bright Spot of Good News for Americans
We welcome any good news in a dismal news cycle, but the healthcare provisions built into the “Inflation Reduction Act” are worth a special mention. The New York Times calls it “the most substantial changes to health policy since the passage of Obamacare in 2010.” Passed by the U.S. Senate on August 8 and expected […]
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