If you have a loved one on Medicaid who is receiving nursing home care or in-home services, you have probably heard the word “redetermination.” It may sound like nothing more than another piece of paperwork, but it is something you need to take seriously. Every year, Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) reviews Medicaid cases to make sure the person still qualifies. FSSA generally sends a renewal notice before the redetermination date. The paperwork
As an elder law attorney in Indiana, I often see the devastating impact of financial exploitation on our seniors. While anyone can fall victim to fraud, Hoosiers living with dementia face a profoundly elevated risk. Scammers do not work with a conscience; instead, they view cognitive decline as an excellent opportunity. Understanding why these individuals are targeted, and how to protect them, is a critical duty for every Indiana family. Why Dementia Increases Vulnerability Dementia
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but today there is more reason for hope than ever before. Researchers, physicians, and organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association are making remarkable progress in understanding this disease. While a cure has not yet been found, new treatments and earlier diagnosis are helping many people maintain their independence and quality of life longer than was possible just a few years ago. The Alzheimer’s Association continues to lead the way by funding
Most people assume that Medicaid eligibility is all about assets. They come into our office worried about bank accounts, investments, or whether they will lose their home. While assets are certainly an important part of the equation, there is another issue that catches many families by surprise: income. We’ve had families sit across the table and tell us, “Mom only has Social Security and a pension. Surely she qualifies.” Then we discover that her gross
A large gift or inheritance can feel like a blessing and a burden at the same time. Many of my clients receive large lifetime gifts from loved ones for asset protection or just helping the next generation; or receive an inheritance. If your emotions swing from gratitude to anxiety, or you feel pressure to make “perfect” decisions quickly, you may be experiencing what professionals often call sudden wealth syndrome. It isn’t a formal medical diagnosis,