Updating Your Estate Plan for the New Year
February 5, 2025 | William F. Huefner
The new year is the perfect time to reflect on the last 12 months and set new goals for the future. This also makes it an ideal time to update your estate plan. Much can change in a year, and your estate planning documents should reflect your current circumstances. Keep reading to learn some common life changes that may warrant updating your estate plan. Life Changes that May Affect Your Estate Plan Marriage or divorce: Many people appoint their spouse as a beneficiary, executor, or trustee. If your marital status changes, you should update your estate plan to reflect this. A new child or grandchild: You may wish to add a new family member as a beneficiary or set aside assets for them in a trust. Your Last Will and Testament should also include guardianship provisions for your minor children or dependents in the event that you pass away. The loss of a beneficiary: Losing a loved one is a tragedy, especially when it’s someone to whom you planned to bequeath your legacy. Updating your estate plan to reflect this loss is a heartbreaking but necessary step. A change in trustees or executors: Life moves quickly, and people’s health and priorities can change. Take some time to review the people you have nominated…
Read MoreMA-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…
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