As stated in prior blog posts, Attorneys Donald D. Vanarelli, Esq. Chen Li, Esq. and Matthew J. Nolfo, Esq. presented a live webinar earlier this year entitled “Protecting Your Assets from Catastrophic Nursing Home Costs in New York and New Jersey.” The webinar explains how to utilize Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Veterans Benefits, and Long-Term.. read more →
For additional information concerning special needs trusts and disability planning, visit: NJ Special Needs Trusts and Disability Planning read more →
As stated in prior blog posts, Attorneys Donald D. Vanarelli, Esq. Chen Li, Esq. and Matthew J. Nolfo, Esq. presented a live webinar earlier this year entitled “Protecting Your Assets from Catastrophic Nursing Home Costs in New York and New Jersey.” The webinar explains how to utilize Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Veterans Benefits, and Long-Term.. read more →
Earlier this year, Attorneys Donald D. Vanarelli, Esq. Chen Li, Esq. and Matthew J. Nolfo, Esq., all of whom are admitted to practice Elder Law and Estate Planning in both New Jersey and New York, presented a live webinar entitled “Protecting Your Assets from Catastrophic Nursing Home Costs in New York and New Jersey.” The.. read more →
Earlier this year, Attorneys Donald D. Vanarelli, Esq. Chen Li, Esq. and Matthew J. Nolfo, Esq., all of whom are admitted to practice Elder Law and Estate Planning in both New Jersey and New York, presented a live webinar entitled “Protecting Your Assets from Catastrophic Nursing Home Costs in New York and New Jersey.” The.. read more →
In this case, K.L., a Medicaid applicant, was assessed a penalty period, or period or ineligibility for Medicaid nursing home benefits, of 604 days based upon (1) the failure to obtain fair market value for a life estate owned by K.L. when real estate containing the life estate interest was sold, and (2) a number.. read more →
On February 22, 2023, Attorneys Donald D. Vanarelli, Esq. Chen Li, Esq. and Matthew J. Nolfo, Esq., who are all admitted in both New Jersey and New York, presented a live webinar entitled “Protecting Your Assets from Catastrophic Nursing Home Costs in New York and New Jersey.” The webinar was designed to teach attendees how.. read more →
On February 22, 2023, Attorneys Donald D. Vanarelli, Esq. Chen Li, Esq. and Matthew J. Nolfo, Esq., who are all admitted in both New Jersey and New York, presented a live webinar entitled “Protecting Your Assets from Catastrophic Nursing Home Costs in New York and New Jersey.” The webinar was designed to teach attendees how.. read more →
The New Jersey Long Term Care Ombudsman (NJLTCO) is part of a national advocacy program, authorized by the federal Older American’s Act. The NJLTCO advocates for residents of long-term care facilities by investigating and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of those residents. Examples of the types of complaints commonly investigated by the NJLTCO:.. read more →
We are pleased to announce that Donald D. Vanarelli was named to the New Jersey Super Lawyer’s list in Elder Law in 2023. Out of over 85,000 attorneys licensed to practice law in New Jersey, and the numerous attorneys who practice in the area of Elder Law in our state, Mr. Vanarelli is one of.. read more →
In this case, Petitioner’s son, P.M., resided with his mother, Petitioner R.M., for more than fifty years, in R.M.’s home. In December 2019, R.M. was admitted to a nursing facility. Since that time, R.M. no longer resided at her former home. After R.M. was admitted into the nursing facility, P.M. and Petitioner’s daughter, R.K., petitioned the court for legal.. read more →
On May 18, 2023, Vanarelli & Li, LLC partners, attorneys Donald D. Vanarelli and Chen Li, presented a webinar entitled “Planning for Your Child with Special Needs.” Attorneys Vanarelli and Li showed the webinar attendees how to utilize Special Needs Trusts and accounts established under the “Achieving a Better Life Experience” Act (better known as.. read more →
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. As Mental Health Awareness Month, May is a time to raise awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues, as well as highlighting the ways how mental illness and addiction can affect all of us – patients, providers, families, and our.. read more →
I had a great time at the 25th annual New Jersey State Bar Association Elder and Disability Law Retreat, held in Bethlehem, PA this year. I reconnected with friends and made new connections. Also, I enjoyed presenting with my colleague Beth Manes, Esq. on the topic of “Supporting and Protecting People with Mental Illness.” ____________________________.. read more →
Six years ago, New Jersey Family launched Best NJ Lawyers for Families campaign. The website asks parents about “the lawyers who’ve made a difference in their family’s lives at the most stressful of times.” According to the website, nominations result in a list of professionals who’ve “gone above and beyond” to advocate for their clients. From.. read more →
Donald D. Vanarelli, Esq. (http://VanarelliLaw.com/) will present at the 25th Annual Elder and Disability Law Retreat to be held at the Wind Creek Casino and Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on April 20 – 21 by the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Elder and Disability Law Section and the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education… read more →
Increase in Medicaid’s penalty divisor announced. The agency governing the Medicaid program in New Jersey is the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS). On March 28, 2023, DMAHS announced an increase in the Medicaid penalty divisor from $374.39 to $384.57 per day, amounting to $11,697.34 per month,.. read more →
Upcoming Webinar: Planning for Your Child With Special Needs
Upcoming FREE Webinar: REGISTER TODAY Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 4:00 PM EST (Approximately 2 hours, depending on Q & A) Learn to Utilize Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts to Access Medicaid, SSI, DDD Services and Other Public Benefits to Plan for the Future of Your Child With Special Needs Attorneys Donald D… read more →
Upcoming FREE Webinar: REGISTER TODAY Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 4:00 PM EST (approximately 2 hours, depending on Q & A) Learn to Utilize Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Veterans Benefits, and Long-Term Care Insurance to Protect Your Family from Catastrophic Long-Term Care Expenses and Nursing Home Costs. Attorneys Donald D. Vanarelli, Esq. Chen Li,.. read more →
This latest edition of Law Points for Senior Citizens, the 4th edition, is published by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation as a public service to explain laws in New Jersey of special interest to senior citizens. The booklet explains laws governing a variety of topics, such as Social Security retirement benefits, Medicaid and nursing.. read more →
Vanarelli & Li, LLC is committed to protecting the legal rights and financial resources of seniors, the disabled and their families, and families in conflict. For each client, we strive to provide the highest quality legal work while serving clients in a caring, compassionate and respectful manner. Several years ago, the New Jersey Family website launched.. read more →
Special needs trusts (SNTs), also referred to as supplemental benefits trusts, often play an important role in helping families plan for children with special needs. SNTs allow assets to be left to a disabled or chronically ill person without disqualifying them for public benefits based on financial need, such as Medicaid. A common asset often left.. read more →
When former teen idol Aaron Carter died last month at the young age of 34, it came as shock to the entertainment world. Some say his death is a reminder of the importance of mental health. His death can also be a reminder to us all about the consequences of not having a Last Will.. read more →
Since March of 2020, NJ Medicaid has followed special rules related to the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). These rules have allowed most NJ Medicaid recipients to keep their health coverage, even if they no longer qualified – for example, if their income was too high. However, once the federal government determines that the.. read more →
Under the Public Health Service Act, Pub.L. 78–410, when the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concludes that a disease or disorder presents a public health emergency, the agency may issue a declaration announcing that a public emergency exists. On January 31, 2020, HHS issued a declaration announcing that a public emergency existed based.. read more →
In 2009, Petitioner executed a power of attorney (POA) in favor of her daughter, Vera. Ten years later, petitioner became a nursing home resident because she suffered from dementia and was no longer capable of managing her affairs. In January 2019, a social worker at the facility filed an initial Medicaid application on petitioner’s behalf… read more →
Many individuals seeking representation in obtaining their Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) or dealing with a denial of benefits take comfort in learning that their legal fees can be paid directly by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA allows a representative to recover either a contingency fee of 25 percent of past due benefits.. read more →
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that its beneficiaries will see a significant increase – totaling nearly 9 percent – in their monthly Social Security checks come January 2023. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is the largest boost to Social Security benefits in more than 40 years. The increase for 2022 was 5.9 percent. Supplemental Security.. read more →
Recently, I read an interesting article in the Washington Post about Dateability, a dating app designed for disabled and chronically ill people. Dateability was launched this year, on October 21st. It carries the slogan “Making love accessible.” Some people with disabilities feel they are discriminated against by other users on dating platforms, and not seen.. read more →
This matter arose from the imposition of a transfer penalty on Petitioner’s receipt of Medicaid benefits. Beginning in 2018, Petitioner resided with her son, R. R., and R. R. ‘s wife. Petitioner previously resided in her own home. On November 1, 2018, Petitioner and R. R. executed a “Room Rental Agreement, ” wherein Petitioner agreed to.. read more →
In this case, C.L., a resident of a nursing home, applied for Medicaid benefits. The state’s Medicaid agency, the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS), denied her application. DMAHS determined an annuity C.L. purchased, which she understood to be irrevocable, was instead found to be revocable by the agency and counted as a.. read more →
10 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs 1. Doing nothing. The most popular estate plan in the Unites States is doing nothing. While not a good idea for anyone, it is particularly troubling when there is a loved one with special needs. If someone does nothing and then.. read more →
A.V. suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In January 2021, A.V. moved into a skilled nursing facility. That April, she filed her first application for Medicaid benefits, seeking a community spouse resource allowance for her husband, J.V. In June 2021, the Cumberland County Board of Social Services (CCBSS) denied the claim, advising A.V. and J.V… read more →
Chen Li, Esq. (http://VanarelliLaw.com/) will present on Trusts and Trust Taxation Issues impacting the New Jersey Probate and Trust Administration Process in an online seminar given by the National Business Institute (NBI) on December 15, 2022. Ms. Li will discuss aspects of the probate process and trust administration in New Jersey. Specifically, Ms. Li will.. read more →
In this case, an administrative law judge held that a Medicaid applicant’s transfer of her home to her adult child who lived with and cared for her for many years was entitled to Medicaid benefits under the “caretaker child” exemption to the transfer of assets rules even though the child worked part-time outside the home… read more →
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