BarbriSFCourseDetails
  1. keyboard_arrow_leftBack

Course Details

Course Information
  • smart_display Format

    On-Demand

  • signal_cellular_alt Difficulty Level

  • work Practice Area

    Family Law

Date & Time
  • event Date

    Thursday, August 4, 2022

  • schedule Time

    1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT

  • timer Program Length

    90 minutes

Credit Information

  • This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.

$197.00
CLE
ALL

This CLE course will provide an in-depth analysis of those states utilizing spousal refusal in Medicaid planning and other alternatives for Medicaid qualification. The panel will also highlight strategies for spousal refusal, determining when and how such a tactic impacts Medicaid qualification, and the processes and documentation involved, as well as offer methods to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls.

Faculty

Britt Burner
Partner
Burner Prudenti Law, PC

Ms. Burner, Esq. is a partner at Burner Law Group, P.C., a boutique law firm concentrating in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning, Trusts and Estates, and Real Estate. Serving clients from New York City to the East End, she has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and an Outstanding Woman in Law by Hofstra University. Ms. Burner serves as Vice Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Planning section of the New York State Bar Association. She also serves as a Charter member of the Advisory Council of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell.

expand_circle_down Expand to View Full Bio expand_circle_up Collapse Bio
Patrick D. Quarles
Shareholder
Richert Quarles, PA

Mr. Quarles practices in estate planning, asset protection, probate, landlord tenant, pre-litigation, and civil litigation. He brings his personal experiences to handle your matters with care and empathy.

expand_circle_down Expand to View Full Bio expand_circle_up Collapse Bio

Description

Having a sound Estate Plan in place is crucial for those seeking Medicaid asset protection for future care needs. A sudden illness requiring immediate long-term care placement or a degenerative diagnosis that will require extended care can devastate a family. Elder law attorneys may be able to utilize spousal refusal as part of Medicaid planning and other alternative methods to protect income and assets.

A Medicaid applicant's assets and income must meet certain state-mandated levels. Transfers of assets made within the 5 years prior to an application for nursing home Medicaid will be penalized if proper planning is not done. There are certain transfers that are exempt from penalty and certain Medicaid programs that do not impose a lookback, depending on the state of residence.

If the assets of the spouse of a Medicaid applicant exceed the asset and income levels, specific tactics can be used to gain eligibility for one spouse while protecting the assets of the other. Certain states provide for this option while others provide specific rules to prevent such tactics, which may lead to litigation. Elder law attorneys must understand the processes and requirements for utilizing spousal refusal to maintain Medicaid eligibility and other available options, such as promissory notes, loans, and other transactions.

Listen as our distinguished panel of attorneys experienced in Medicaid asset preservation reviews the eligibility requirements and discusses best practices in using spousal refusal, promissory notes, and other approaches to preserve the assets for Medicaid eligibility.

Outline

  1. Analyzing the spousal refusal strategy
  2. Spousal Refusal and Dissolution of Marriage
  3. Other options to maintain Medicaid eligibility
  4. Best practices for counsel, applicants, and community spouse

Benefits

The panel will review these and other key issues:

  • What are the benefits and downsides of spousal refusal as a tactic for Medicaid eligibility?
  • What are the processes and requirements for using spousal refusal for Medicaid planning?
  • What are the state law challenges of utilizing spousal refusal?
  • What other options are available for Medicaid planning and long-term care?
  • How can qualified promissory notes be used with community spouses?
  • Using promissory notes and the impact of spousal refusal options