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Writer's pictureBrian A. Raphan, Esq.

Useful Elder Law facts and key figures for 2014:

Below are figures for 2014 that are frequently used in the elder law practice or are of interest to clients.

Medicaid Spousal Impoverishment Figures for 2014

The new minimum community spouse resource allowance (CSRA) is $23,448 and the new maximum CSRA is $117,240. The new maximum monthly maintenance needs allowance is $2,931. The minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance remains$1,891.25 (2,365 for Alaska and 2,176.25 for Hawaii) until July 1, 2014.

For the CMS document announcing the 2014 figures, click here.

Medicaid Home Equity Limits

Minimum: $543,000; Maximum: $814,000

Income Cap

The income cap for 2014 applicable in “income cap” states will be $2,163 a month.

Gift and estate tax figures

Federal estate tax exemption: $5.34 million for individuals.

Lifetime tax exclusion for gifts: $5.34 million.

Generation-skipping transfer tax exemption: $5.34 million.

The annual gift tax exclusion remains at $14,000.

Long-Term Care Premium Deductibility Limits for 2014

The Internal Revenue Service has announced the 2014 limitations on the deductibility of long-term care insurance premiums from taxes. Any premium amounts above these limits are not considered to be a medical expense.Attained age before the close of the taxable yearMaximum deduction40 or less$370More than 40 but not more than 50$700More than 50 but not more than 60$1,400More than 60 but not more than 70$3,720More than 70$4,660

Benefits from per diem or indemnity policies, which pay a predetermined amount each day, are not included in income except amounts that exceed the beneficiary’s total qualified long-term care expenses or $330 per day (for 2014), whichever is greater.

For these and other inflation adjustments from the IRS, click here.

Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Copayments for 2014

  1. Basic Part B premium: $104.90/month (unchanged)

  2. Part B deductible: $147 (unchanged)

  3. Part A deductible: $1,216 (was $1,184)

  4. Co-payment for hospital stay days 61-90: $304/day (was $296)

  5. Co-payment for hospital stay days 91 and beyond: $608/day (was $592)

  6. Skilled nursing facility co-payment, days 21-100: $152/day (was $148)

Premiums for higher-income beneficiaries:

  1. Individuals with annual incomes between $85,000 and $107,000 and married couples with annual incomes between $170,000 and $214,000 will pay a monthly premium of $146.90 (unchanged).

  2. Individuals with annual incomes between $107,000 and $160,000 and married couples with annual incomes between $214,000 and $320,000 will pay a monthly premium of $209.80 (unchanged).

  3. Individuals with annual incomes between $160,000 and $214,000 and married couples with annual incomes between $320,000 and $428,000 in 2010 will pay a monthly premium of $272.70 (unchanged).

  4. Individuals with annual incomes of $214,000 or more and married couples with annual incomes of $428,000 or more in 2010 will pay a monthly premium of $335.70 (unchanged).

Rates differ for beneficiaries who are married but file a separate tax return from their spouse:

  1. Those with incomes between $85,000 and $128,000 will pay a monthly premium of  $272.70 (unchanged).

  2. Those with incomes greater than $128,000 will pay a monthly premium of $335.70 (unchanged).

For Medicare’s “Medicare costs at a glance,” click here.

Social Security Benefit Changes for 2014

Monthly federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment standard will be $721 for an individual and $1,082 for a couple.

Average monthly Social Security retirement payment: $1,294 a month (was $1,275) for individuals and $2,111 (was $2,080) for couples

Maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security taxation: $117,000 (was $113,700)

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