MA-EPD Law Updates Expand Eligibility for Coverage
December 17, 2024 | Cathryn Reher
We are nearing one year since the Minnesota Department of Human Services expanded those persons with disabilities who may qualify for Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD). Persons with disabilities participating in MA-EPD must have an earned monthly income of $65.01 or more. This program provides for not only state plan health coverage but also waivered services through CADI, CAC, BI, and DD waivers. The 2024 law change removed any asset limit to qualify. For self-employed persons, there was a mid-year law change that self-employment tax filings suffice as proof of appropriate tax withholdings. The most amazing aspect of the 2024 law changes is that MA-EPD became available to persons residing in skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes) as well as community-based settings. Our firm has successfully converted several clients from community-based MA-EPD to MA-EPD while residing in a skilled nursing facility. As an example, a long-term CADI client needed more care and entered a nursing home. His MA-EPD premium was $68. We assisted with his conversion to a nursing home on MA-EPD, where his monthly obligation remained $68. The client was not required to pay the alternative long-term care income spenddown, which would have been approximately $1,526. The reserved income is being used to pay for a private room as well!…
Read MoreTips to Avoid Winter Injuries
December 10, 2024 | Adriel B. Villarreal
The holiday season is an exciting time for many, but the hustle and bustle of shopping and traveling can prove dangerous when combined with winter weather. Whether it’s snow, black ice, or a wet floor, these hazards can cause serious harm. Follow these tips to avoid winter injuries and stay safe all season long. Slow Down We understand that the holidays are busy—you have gifts to buy and places to be. But many people incur winter injuries while they are in a hurry. Take care of yourself by using caution and slowing down when walking outdoors. Black ice can appear suddenly and unexpectedly, and even visible patches of ice can be more treacherous than they seem. Use handrails whenever they are available, and take short, slow steps. Also, be mindful of puddles and slick floors inside buildings, especially near entryways that see a lot of traffic. Dress Wisely Wearing the right footwear and clothing can make all the difference to avoid winter injuries. Make sure you wear boots or shoes with good traction. Avoid wearing old shoes if the tread is worn thin. You can also add ice grips or cleats to your shoes to make walking on slippery surfaces even safer. Make sure to dress in warm layers, too, as cold temperatures…
Read MoreCorporate Transparency Act Beneficial Ownership Reporting: Compliance is Compulsory
November 25, 2024 | Carole Clark Isakson
Update December 19th, 2024 On December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc., et al. v. Garland, enjoining the federal government from enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its reporting deadlines. On December 13, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an Emergency Motion for Stay Pending Appeal in the Fifth Circuit requesting an expedited briefing schedule and a ruling “as soon as possible, but in any event no later than December 27, 2024, to ensure that regulated entities can be made aware of their obligation to comply before January 1, 2025.” Reporting companies should continue monitoring developments in the coming days in case the January 1, 2025 deadline for filing is reinstated. Ready. Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) in 2020 as part of its initiative to crack down on illicit activities, such as money laundering, commonly associated with shell companies. Under the CTA, many entities formed or registered to do business in the United States will be required to report various information concerning their beneficial owners and decision-makers. The idea behind the law is to unmask the natural persons behind a given entity. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), under the direction of the United…
Read More