Author: Lauren Marinaro

A few months ago I was able to do something a little different for an Elder Law attorney. I got to put through an Adult Adoption of an individual who essentially was a “child” to a couple but was not officially so. Doing this had some very strong upside for the couple’s estate planning in light of New Jersey’s Inheritance...

An important new Medicaid Communication (MedComm) was recently issued by the New Jersey Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS). As we had previously discussed, due to the COVID-19 emergency, Medicaid has loosened certain eligibility and post-eligibility rules. The MedComm explains and reconfirms our understanding of the changes in these areas: Terminations: If you were...

As the CARES Act implementation gears up, one question that we elder law attorneys have had  was how the cash payments would affect ongoing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. These are the “economic impact payments” being sent to taxpayers.  If you get benefits from a program with a resource limit of $2000 and you get another $1,200 automatically, will...

One of the most heartbreaking things about this emergency is the prohibition of in person visitation of loved ones who were already declining in facilities.  Communication with facilities is less than ideal.  Now, more than ever, healthcare workers need to know where legal decision-makers stand on treatments and possible interventions, because one never knows when COVID-19 will take hold. The...

As COVID-19 affects employment nationwide, more New Jerseyans will need to make strategic decisions about health insurance and tax filing this year.  Marketplace insurance and MAGI Medicaid are based on your 2020 Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).  There is special enrollment for a change in employment status. MAGI will include any unemployment you collect as well as any distributions from...

Much of our work in the area of guardianships, probate and estate administration involves our County Surrogates.  As we continue to adjust to working with COVID-19, be aware that each Surrogate Office is adjusting their hours and policies to deal with the pandemic. The overview of changed hours and policies in each county can be found here.  In Union County, the new hours are Mon. & Thurs....

On January 1, 2020, new federal rules went into effect relating to hardship distributions from 401(k)s and other ERISA plans. The new rule —  26 CFR 1.401(k)-1(d)(3)(ii)(B) —  broadens and changes the circumstances under which a 401(k) plan must be made available to employees.       Previously, a company with a 401K plan had the discretion to limit the ability of an active employee...

Lauren Marinaro has been selected for a two year term as National Board Member for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) for 2020-2022.  NAELA  is a national membership organization for attorneys that keeps its members informed and up-to-date on fast-breaking changes in the law — legislation, agency rules and court decisions — that would affect seniors and people with...

New Jersey FamilyCare’s Medicaid program has many components that serve different population groups of people who are aged, disabled or poor. Did you know that there is a Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MACC) which meets regularly and is required to hold quarterly public forums? On February 5th, along with other members of New Jersey NAELA, I attended the first MAAC (Medical...

New Jersey expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, (ACA, also called Obamacare) causing terrific health coverage gains for its residents.  One unfortunate byproduct of Medicaid expansion is Estate Recovery, which can be assessed against any Medicaid recipient over the age of 55.  The purpose of estate recovery is to reimburse the State for Medicaid benefits provided, and typically the...