Stouffer Legal Blog

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are looking to the future of the US health care system, and it is projected to be overloaded with seniors needing medical care. In 2010 the US elderly population accounted for about 13 percent of the US population yet accounted for 34 percent of the total health care expenditure.

Most people are familiar with the popular Medicaid 5-Year Look-Back penalty. In order to qualify for Medicaid, you cannot transfer assets without receiving fair market value in return within a five-year period from the date you apply.

This time of year can be very trying for the elderly. Despite advances in technology and the ability to communicate easily, research indicates that people of all ages are lonelier than ever before. Growing older tends to bring on a more solitary lifestyle.

A family limited partnership is a legal business entity that allows family members to pool assets in order to run a business venture. Each member owns shares of the partnership (which do not need to be equal) and each profits in proportion to the shares owned.

You may think your living will is in order, including instructions regarding resuscitation commonly referred to as a DNR (do not resuscitate). While your wishes in a living will may be appropriately documented, that does not guarantee the instructions will be carried out as you stated.

Once a special needs trust (SNT) has been established, it either terminates at the death of the primary beneficiary or in the event of specifically stated circumstances noted in the language of the trust.

Age discrimination in the workplace is a problem that has been addressed by lawmakers since the 1960's but continues to be a serious problem. According to study.com, age discrimination is defined as "the practice of letting a person's age unfairly become a factor when deciding who receives a new job, promotion, or other job benefits. Decisions about terminating employees also cannot be solely based on their age.”

As we watch our parents age, we may notice that the current living arrangements are not the most ideal. Maybe downsizing is needed, or a different floor plan or a location closer to loved ones and caregivers.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a medical condition where the body experiences difficulty coping with severe stress. There are many triggers, but it is commonly diagnosed in combat Veterans. PTSD can also be caused by witnessing or living through shocking events such as accidents or crimes.

We have discussed in previous articles the importance of digital asset planning, especially for those with valuable digital assets. Those plans contain instructions for an executor or agent under a power of attorney to access the private information if the circumstances warrant it.