In the News: Medicaid Researching Social Determinants of Health

It should come as no surprise that where we are born, grow, live, work, play, and age can have a dramatic impact on our health. Over the last ten years, creating social and physical environments that promote good health for all has been a top priority for several organizations, including the World Health Organization. Now, Medicaid officials are looking at … Read More

Devils, Details, and Deadlines: SSI vs. SSDI – What’s the Difference?

Some of the most impactful work we do involves setting up financial protections for disabled individuals. Part of that process includes exploring federal income benefits, but many people don’t realize that there are two available programs: SSI and SSDI. If you have a disabled child, knowing whether they are or should be on SSI or SSDI can significantly impact the … Read More

In the News: Iowa’s Highest Court Rules Against Medicaid Applicant

Trusts can be a highly effective tool in nursing home planning. Certain types of trusts are effective even when a nursing home stay is imminent or even ongoing. But the list of viable trust options got smaller when the Iowa Supreme Court decided the Cox v. Iowa Department of Human Services case and ruled out pooled trusts in November 2018. … Read More

FAQ: How Good is My Living Will?

One of the many documents an elder law and long-term care planning attorney in the Northwest Iowa area will encourage clients to put together is a living will. These documents have been considered incredibly important in both the legal and medical fields for 40+ years. A living will provides you with the opportunity to make your medical wishes known should you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions at the time. [Read More]