Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Structure Your Estate To Protect Against Scams
No one in Westchester County wants to think of themselves as easy prey, but statistics reported by the American Association of Retired People (AARP) seem to show that more and more elderly people in the U.S. are falling prey to scammers for a variety of reasons. It is crucial to plan your estate and… Read More »
Don’t Use AI For New York Estate Planning
Many people in Westchester County have fallen in love with artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, using them to increase productivity and potentially save time in their day. There are even more specialized AI tools, designed to answer questions and perform tasks in specific areas of expertise. There are even AI bots that advertise as… Read More »
Options In A Medicaid Planning Crisis
Medicaid is a program intended to help those who cannot cover healthcare costs, as long as they meet certain criteria. Most people in Putnam County who reach a certain age (and indeed, some younger) make a plan so they can benefit from Medicaid care as they get older. However, it is sadly not uncommon… Read More »
Giving During Medicaid’s Lookback Period
Many Westchester County residents apply for Medicaid each year to help them with long-term healthcare, but too many of them make a common mistake before their coverage takes effect. Medicaid has what is known as a ‘lookback’ period, and during that period, one cannot give away or sell any assets if not at market… Read More »
Does Your Loved One Need A Guardianship?
In New York, the law recognizes three separate types of legal guardianship. One is for disabled people who are unable to handle their own affairs (disability does not always equal incompetency). Another is to manage the financial estate of a minor, if the minor comes into money, and the last is for overseeing affairs… Read More »
Strategies For New York Asset Protection
Asset protection in this day and age can involve many different rules and regulations, particularly for an elderly person trying to afford long-term care. It can be difficult for the average person in Westchester County to fully understand just how best to protect their assets when it comes time to apply for Medicaid. The… Read More »
Crafting A Healthcare Proxy In New York
A healthcare proxy is a document naming a chosen person, who then has authority to act for you if you lose the ability to communicate your wishes when it comes to healthcare. While these are most useful for people who are older or who have chronic conditions, anyone in Putnam County may benefit from… Read More »
Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts 101
Long-term elder care is a concern for a strong majority of Putnam County residents, and very often, Medicaid is the best way for them to receive it. However, Medicaid is a means-tested program, meaning that if a person or couple makes too much money or has too many assets, they will not qualify. One… Read More »
How To Avoid New York Estate Planning Issues
Not many people enjoy the act of planning their estate, but it is an important endeavor, particularly if a person has a large circle of family and friends. Unfortunately, far too many people attempt to plan their own estate, without legal help, and too often it results in their beneficiaries being entangled in a… Read More »
Is Nursing Home Care Possible Without Medicaid?
Many in Putnam County may eventually rely on Medicaid to cover long-term medical care, but it is not always easy to obtain Medicaid coverage. Some are forced to rely, either temporarily or permanently, on other options to help themselves or a loved one obtain long-term inpatient care. A Mahopac elder law attorney can help… Read More »