Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Understanding the Differences Between a Will and a Trust
Everyone has heard the terms "Will" and “Trust,” but not everyone knows the differences between the two. Both are useful estate planning...
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Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Feb 10, 20221 min read
Up to $9,000 reimbursement is available for COVID-19 related funeral expenses from FEMA.
You can now apply to receive up to $9,000 for past Covid-19 related funeral costs through this program from FEMA.
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Nov 1, 20211 min read
Update: Medicaid Deadline is approaching. Don't lose out.
Essentially, free home care services!
There is an important deadline coming up for New Yorkers: March 31, 2022. When the...
Samantha Benadiba, Esq
May 8, 20212 min read
Don't Miss Your Chance For Free Homecare
Very good Medicaid news decided this month! The New York State Department of Health has further delayed the start of the 2.5 year...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Feb 14, 20192 min read
State, Not Nursing Home, Must Pay Fees of Residents’ Court-Appointed Guardianship Attorney
In two separate cases, a Maryland appeals court rules that a nursing home does not have to pay attorney’s fees to an attorney appointed...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jan 4, 20191 min read
2019 Will Bring Social Security Beneficiaries the Biggest Increase in Eight Years
The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8 percent increase in benefits in 2019, the largest increase since 2012. The change...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jun 17, 20182 min read
Careful…Gifting To Family Can Affect Medicaid Eligibility
Any transfer that you make, however nominal, may be scrutinized. - Matthew S. Raphan, Esq.
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
May 1, 20182 min read
Worst States If You’re Caring For An Aging Parent
Via FA-Magazine • HEIDI P. WERNER #7 In Survey New York State Some states make it harder for those caring for an aging parent, according...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
May 1, 20181 min read
Medicaid Applicants & Home Care: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Clarifies Penalty Pe
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has clarified when a transfer penalty begins for Medicaid applicants who are seeking...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Mar 27, 20182 min read
What’s the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid in the Context of Long-Term Care?
Although their names are confusingly alike, Medicaid and Medicare are quite different programs. Both of these programs provide health...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Dec 30, 20171 min read
Benefits for Older New Yorkers
Many public programs are available to seniors in need. The New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) provides a guide to benefits...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Nov 21, 20172 min read
Social Security Beneficiaries Will Receive a 2 Percent Increase in 2018
In 2018, Social Security recipients will get their largest cost of living increase in benefits since 2012, but the additional income will...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jan 4, 20171 min read
What effects will repealing Obamacare have on Medicare?
What effects can repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), aka Obamacare, have? While repealing Obamacare will have implications for...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Jun 28, 20162 min read
Four Social Security Myths Debunked
There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the Social Security system. Here are four common myths and the truth about how Social...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
May 10, 20162 min read
Testamentary Trust & MEDICAID…
Testamentary Trust Qualifies As SNT Despite Support Language The Supreme Court of Connecticut rules that the state Department of Social...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Mar 10, 20163 min read
8 Things Seniors Should Remember at Tax Time
April 15th is approaching and it is time to begin crossing T’s and dotting I’s in preparation for paying taxes. As tax time draws near,...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Nov 24, 20151 min read
Son Must Pay for Mother’s Care Under Filial Responsibility
A Pennsylvania appeals court holds that a son is required to pay for his mother’s care under the state’s filial responsibility law even...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Sep 10, 20154 min read
How to Manage Higher Health Insurance Costs in 2016
There are ways to mitigate the effects of cost increases. Via US NEWS & WORLD REPORT By Elizabeth Renter Aug. 5, 2015 If you have health...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Aug 17, 20151 min read
How You Can Use Your Social Security Benefits as an Interest-Free Loan
One little-known Social Security retirement benefits rule is the so-called “do-over rule.” Under this rule, an individual 62 years or...
Brian A. Raphan, Esq.
Feb 11, 20151 min read
The Full Retirement Age Is Increasing
Full retirement age (also called “normal retirement age”) had been 65 for many years. However, beginning with people born in 1938 or...
Important news for seniors and their families
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