tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79310182012-01-23T18:57:16.106-05:00A weblog of news in law and aging in West Virginia, brought to you by West Virginia Senior Legal Aid.cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.comBlogger1831100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-33614576922549520702012-01-20T15:41:00.001-05:002012-01-20T15:41:58.413-05:00

A notice from AARP Foundation: A Critical Conversation: Positioning Older Workers for Hourly Wage Jobs in Demand Join us on Thursday, February 2, 2012 For a Webcast 8:30 a.m.- 12 noon EST Registration is Required. (See Below) Right now, four million older Americans are either unemployed or not able to find full time employment. Many are struggling to meet their everyday needs and

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-75459111610203009252012-01-18T09:53:00.002-05:002012-01-18T10:38:57.562-05:00

West Virginia Attorney General Darryl McGraw announced a settlement yesterday in his 2010 litigation against credit card giant Capital One. Capital One agrees to provide $3 million in debt forgiveness to West Virginia consumers, $9.5 million to the State of West Virginia to be used for financial relief for West Virginia consumers, and $1 million to the Attorney General’s office for consumer

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-26063343316811896542012-01-09T10:37:00.001-05:002012-01-09T10:38:04.887-05:00

From the National Senior Citizens Law Center: Dual Eligibles Receiving Medicaid HCBS Services Now Have Zero Part D Copayments Under ACA Effective January 1, 2012, full-benefit dual eligibles receiving Medicaid home and community based services (HCBS) have no Medicare Part D copayments. These beneficiaries are eligible for a full waiver of copayment requirements for their Medicare Part D

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-76933904302575702692012-01-06T16:17:00.001-05:002012-01-06T16:18:18.860-05:00

Please note: Due to increased security and information requirements for the REAL ID Act of 2005, all new driver's licenses, license renewals, and ID cards must now have the applicant's full legal name. If your current driver's license has your middle initial only, you will need to bring a certified birth certificate or passport with you to DMV the next time you renew your license so the change

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-22754158475377460582012-01-04T12:17:00.000-05:002012-01-04T14:32:10.689-05:00

PATHS, the Partnerships in Assistive TecHnologieS, is a non-profit group dedicated to increasing awareness about and access to assistive technology (AT). Many people need AT, but affording devices can be difficult for some people. PATHS is offering two $550.00 awards to qualified individuals to purchase the AT they need. Any age and disability may apply. You (or a family member) must need AT to

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-48272829005316280462011-12-21T13:54:00.000-05:002011-12-21T13:54:12.815-05:00

Unreimbursed long-term care insurance premiums can be tax deductible. The premium must be for a qualified policy, which must have been issued no earlier than 1/1/97 (though previously-issued policies can be grandfathered by the state insurance commissioner), and must have had inflation and non-forfeiture protection as an option at purchase. The maximum amount deductible for qualified policy

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-51544215640198138972011-12-20T15:51:00.003-05:002012-01-19T14:23:27.190-05:00

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on 11/29/11 that Medicare is adding coverage for preventive services to reduce obesity. This adds to Medicare’s existing portfolio of preventive services that are now available without cost sharing under the Affordable Care Act. “Obesity is a challenge faced by Americans of all ages, and prevention is crucial for the management

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-69615419338470807032011-12-01T14:20:00.001-05:002012-01-19T14:24:15.583-05:00

HIV/AIDS may not seem like an issue for older West Virginians to worry about. But it is. According to the most recent CDC data, people over the age of 50 accounted for: • 17 percent of new HIV diagnoses in 40 states with long-term confidential name-based reporting; and • 31 percent of persons living with an HIV diagnosis; Many people mistakenly assume that older Americans are not sexually

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-46217008535075467692011-11-08T10:47:00.000-05:002011-11-08T10:48:18.766-05:00

Release Date: 11/08/2011 Contact: Stacey Ruckle, (304) 340-3365 Joint Select Committee on Marcellus Shale Legislature’s Marcellus Committee to Meet Sunday CHARLESTON – The Legislature’s Joint Select Committee on Marcellus Shale will meet Sunday morning to continue work on amendments to proposed legislation intended to encourage efficient development of the resource while addressing local and

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-70790895247148463362011-11-07T13:17:00.000-05:002011-11-07T13:21:45.071-05:00

Protecting Americans from Financial Abuse - Toll Free Nationwide Call-In Service on November 10th Kiplinger, along with several national organizations, is holding a toll free, nationwide call-in service on Tuesday, November 10th from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm ET. The service, entitled Protecting Americans from Financial Abuse, will provide free advice and guidance on how to protect yourself and your

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-56527376241825351462011-11-03T15:43:00.001-04:002011-11-03T15:50:20.531-04:00

At the West Virginia Access to Justice Commission public forum held at the law school in Morgantown on November 1 several citizens spoke about problems with adult guardianship in West Virginia. The issues identified included lack of relevant disability training required (or even offered) for attorneys appointed to defend against guardianship, failure of judges to tailor guardianship orders to the

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-73351207889614877332011-10-20T14:23:00.002-04:002011-11-03T16:48:32.944-04:00

The first National Adult Protective Services (APS) Resource Center will be established by the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) through a grant awarded by the US Administration on Aging (AoA). The goal of the Center is to provide state and local Adult Protective Services Programs with with current, accurate, research-based information and assistance to improve their capacity

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-87507941340293535312011-10-14T13:02:00.000-04:002012-01-19T14:24:53.364-05:00

This year the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug open enrollment period starts and ends early, and is one week longer than it has been since it began in 2006. Open enrollment in 2011 is from October 15 through December 7 and your new plan election coverage will begin January 1, 2012. Open enrollment is the annual period during which Medicare beneficiaries can choose to change to a new

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-5826259652767828072011-09-27T11:26:00.001-04:002011-09-27T11:28:24.553-04:00

The John D. and Katherine T. MacArthur Foundation awards $500,000 Fellowships each year to each of around 20 individuals who "show exceptional merit and promise for continued and enhanced creative work." Since they began in 1981 MacArthur Fellowships, commonly known as "Genius Awards," have been given to outstanding individuals working in a variety of fields including artists, scientists,

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-81537521111013711252011-09-06T17:18:00.002-04:002011-09-06T17:19:32.750-04:00

Your local SHIP counselor is probably happy that Medicare has moved open enrollment to begin and end earlier starting this year, though it's also a little longer. Every year changes are made in virtually every Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, and your prescription drug needs may have changed, too. Every Medicare beneficiary should review the changes and reconsider options every year before

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-34805820572072185072011-08-08T17:09:00.005-04:002011-08-10T11:18:50.266-04:00

The US and WV Constitutions promote "justice for all." But we know that it is easier for some West Virginians to get justice than others. The WV Supreme Court created the Access to Justice Commission to identify and take down barriers to justice in our state, to make good on the promise of justice for all, not just those with money, power, and influence. The Commission is hosting a series of

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-51638501156339590382011-08-05T15:16:00.002-04:002011-08-05T15:24:43.756-04:00

I stumbled across a blog today that I suspect many in the aging services world would find interesting. "Life With Father" is a journal about one man's view of taking care of his 89-yr old father. It's not candy-coated, something I think we can all appreciate. He talks about the minutiae of daily living as well as some of the more philosophical thoughts he has about how much of this is a preview

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-48764334064911887862011-07-22T09:24:00.002-04:002011-07-22T09:33:52.716-04:00

The West Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection division has won another case against a company who scammed numerous West Virginians. A Kanawha County Circuit Court judge ordered that BlueHippo is enjoined from doing business in WV, voided all existing contracts with WV residents, and cancelled all consumer debts under all those contracts.You may remember the TV commercial campaign from

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-86011323022427240602011-06-22T15:27:00.000-04:002011-06-22T15:28:34.422-04:00

The State Law Library will hold a free informational workshop on "Surviving Credit Card Debt" at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25.Education Librarian Sara Thompson will explain how to order, review, and understand a credit report, correct misinformation contained in the report, deal with debt collection calls, and write effective letters to creditors. The first 10 people to register will receive a free

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-91629979766287998402011-06-15T10:16:00.003-04:002011-06-15T10:22:48.486-04:00

There will be a public rally on the north side of state capitol today from 1p to 3p. US Attorney for the Southern District of WV Booth Goodwin will be the keynote speaker.There will be events held all over the country and all over the world today recognizing that no senior deserves to be abused, neglected, or exploited.

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-30499939181659944722011-06-14T14:22:00.002-04:002011-06-14T14:36:44.089-04:00

Following decisions in a Second Circuit appeal and to certify a class in a New York district court suit the Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued instructions stating effective immediately it will no longer stop or deny SS/SSI benefits based solely on probation or parole violation warrants.SSA issued this Emergency Message EM-11032 on 5/9/2011 to field offices and ALJ's explaining the

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-24791153261178711952011-06-13T15:36:00.004-04:002011-06-13T15:37:34.139-04:00

The Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) draft policy manual is now available for public comment. The manual may be found at http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/bms/news/Documents/110518Chapter_501_ADW_30.pdf . (It's 42 pages, scroll down through the first page to get to the Table of Contents.) All comments are to be sent to DHHR.BMS.Comments@wv.gov. Comments must be submitted by midnight June 30, 2011.

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-27330815762152442011-06-13T14:40:00.002-04:002011-06-13T15:29:48.093-04:00

In Contra Costa County California cases involving harm to a senior get heard in a specialized Elder Court. The project brings together a wide variety of partners to help seniors get access to justice in ways that respond directly to their unique needs. The partners include senior peer counselors (who provide help and reassurance before and after court), legal self-help support, geriatricians

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-75975140612341640592011-05-03T13:10:00.002-04:002011-05-03T13:32:43.451-04:00

The US Treasury Department has issued new rules that went into effect May 1, 2011 designed to protect federal benefits from being garnished by collection agencies. Federal law already protected those benefits from most creditors. But as a practical matter aggressive debt collectors have been freezing people's bank accounts that contained only Social Security or Veterans or other federal cash

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-45315291757725439452011-04-26T07:30:00.004-04:002011-04-26T09:24:36.535-04:00

Wayne Moore, pioneer of senior legal hotlines and 30 year veteran of aging and law, has written a book offering a comprehensive vision of an effective, efficient legal services system. "Delivering Legal Services to Low-income People" is available from Amazon for $89.99.Access to justice guru and blogger Richard Zorza interviewed Wayne about the book, see Part 1 of the 2 part interview here.

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-79274970055981086442011-04-19T07:31:00.003-04:002011-04-19T07:45:47.397-04:00

Though medical research has not definitively established which biomarkers accurately predict Alzheimer's disease, the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association are issuing new guidelines today that include an early stage where no dementia symptoms are present but brain changes have begun. The new guidelines reflect the desire for early diagnosis and prevention.Rep. Market of

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-88865875729290007722011-04-11T15:21:00.002-04:002011-04-11T15:35:18.464-04:00

The Kaiser Family Foundation has created an interactive online timeline to show how different provisions of healthcare reform law will be implemented. Users can click along the timeline to expand each provision for more information. You can also customize what appears on the timeline by checking or unchecking boxes for different topics, such as Medicare, prescription drugs, affordability, fraud,

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-32110737218848854512011-04-06T14:34:00.002-04:002011-04-06T15:07:28.835-04:00

One of the first examinations of the LGBT experience with long-term care has resulted in a report called LGBT Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities: Stories from the Field. The report looks at an online survey conducted from October 2009 through June 2010 of 769 individuals, 284 of whom identified themselves as LGBT. Other respondents included friends and family of LGBT, service providers,

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-5957628826772168032011-04-04T10:11:00.004-04:002011-04-05T12:43:05.152-04:00

Thank you to everyone who voted for us, we made the LexisNexis Top 25 Estate Probate and Elderlaw Blogs of 2011!!!Please consider checking out the LexisNexis Estate Planning & Elder Law Community to participate in an online community of elderlaw professionals.

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-33610348134868813282011-03-28T10:03:00.002-04:002011-03-28T10:11:37.162-04:00

Exploration and development in science and technology for healthier aging is happening at MIT's AgeLab. The lab uses unique tools and methods to study the impacts of aging and how we can use technology to accommodate the needs of people as they age. The driving simulator Miss Daisy and the aging simulator suit AGNES help MIT's researchers collect data about the experiences of older people doing

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-60503928021136019082011-03-17T09:45:00.002-04:002011-03-17T09:50:17.313-04:00

May 2011 is Older Americans Month and the theme this year is Older Americans: Connecting the Community.The federal Administration on Aging explains: "The theme pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities. Their shared histories, diverse experiences, and wealth of knowledge have made our culture, economy, and local character

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-32629550027083682952011-03-02T15:16:00.002-05:002011-03-02T15:31:50.504-05:00

What a nice surprise, we've been nominated for the Top 25 Estate, Probate, and Elderlaw blogs! If you want to help us win please comment on this LexisNexis community page (click graphic below), register for the community on the right-hand side (I know I'm asking a lot here!), and post a comment saying you vote for WV Aging and Law blog!Each comment is counted as a vote toward the supported blog.

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-46327729587361304842011-02-17T11:03:00.002-05:002011-02-17T13:37:31.326-05:00

Companies who offer to provide mortgage relief for homeowners who are having trouble keeping up with their mortgages and who seek loan modifications or other relief are not always the good guys. Some scammers have sprung up during the current mortgage crisis who will offer this kind of assistance, charge fees up front, then string the consumer along ultimately providing no relief, and usually

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-73099476533014482682011-02-14T09:36:00.002-05:002011-02-14T11:48:43.346-05:00

West Virginia's first African-American attorney, J. R. Clifford, was born in 1848 in Williamsport, Virginia (now Grant County, West Virginia). He was also a newspaper writer, editor, and publisher, civil war veteran, and a grandfather.Clifford brought the case of Williams v. Board of Education, which established in 1898 that African-American school children had equal rights to public education in

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-33289896109221489832011-02-09T13:47:00.002-05:002011-02-09T14:01:55.976-05:00

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) annually issues the Federal Poverty Guidelines used to determine income eligibility for many means-tested benefits and programs. Here are the figures for 2011:Family SizeGross Yearly IncomeGross Monthly Income1$10,890$9082$14,710$1,2263$18,530$1,5444$22,350$1,8635$26,170$2,1816$29,990$2,4997$33,810$2,8188$37,630$3,136add'l+$3,820+$318Federal

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-37106464608342321252011-01-24T13:56:00.002-05:002011-01-24T14:09:40.672-05:00

One of the 20th century's great leaders in the movement for peace through justice died this week. Sargent Shriver, father of Maria Shriver and brother-in-law of President John F. Kennedy and Senators Robert Kennedy and Edward Kennedy, was the architect President Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty." His work led to the creation of the Peace Corps, Job Corps, VISTA, and Head Start programs. His

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-79929920734763066522011-01-03T16:22:00.003-05:002011-01-03T16:47:32.521-05:00

A class action lawsuit, Day v. Fenty, has been filed in federal district court against the District of Columbia on behalf of between 500 and 1000 residents of nursing homes in the city who want to live independently in the community but have not been able to secure the services they need to do so. The suit alleges that the District's failure to take adequate steps to transition these residents

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-43959459137456748632010-12-16T09:09:00.001-05:002010-12-16T09:11:56.035-05:00

WARNING TO VETERANS - Forwarded by Kevin Secor, VSO Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans. This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way.VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-74584706228452807772010-12-14T08:04:00.002-05:002010-12-14T08:19:03.164-05:00

There is a slight increase of about 3% for tax year 2010 in the amount of long-term care insurance premiums that can be deductible. To take advantage of the increase your premium payment needs to be made before 12/31/10. Here is what the IRS says about the long-term care tax deduction:Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance ContractsA qualified long-term care insurance contract is an insurance

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-31732293646965810162010-11-29T13:45:00.002-05:002010-11-29T13:55:23.536-05:00

Rob Schulenburg, Assistance Prosecutor for Kanawha County, explains how elderabuse and financial exploitation of seniors is seriously underreported and takes substantial resources to investigate and prosecute in this article in today's Charleston Daily Mail. His boss, the elected Prosecutor Mark Plants is allowing 3 more assistant prosecutors to work on elderabuse cases in Kanawha County.

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-28617544845526360542010-11-15T16:24:00.003-05:002010-11-15T16:57:17.832-05:00

Part A generally pays inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health. Most beneficiaries do not pay a premium for Part A since they have at least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.Part B generally pays a portion of the cost of physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and other items.Here below are the

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-58364382601592759552010-11-01T07:35:00.000-04:002010-11-01T07:38:12.219-04:00

Low Income Energy Assistance Program - (LIEAP)LIEAP will officially open for general intake on Monday, December 6th, and close at the end of the day on Friday, December 10th. Applications may be obtained at local DHHR offices, Community Action agencies, and county senior centers. The online application will also be available on the DHHR website at www.wvinroads.org. In situations where a heating

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-3892568533498492922010-10-28T09:35:00.002-04:002010-10-28T09:44:15.541-04:00

West Virginia Senior Legal Aid (WVSLA) and Legal Aid of West Virginia (LAWV) partnered to produce Free Days at the senior centers in Monongalia County and Randolph County this week in celebration of Pro Bono Appreciation Week. A Free Day brings local private attorneys to provide a free 30 minute consultation with any member of the community who wants one. We impose no eligibility requirements

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-71362221244486237822010-10-21T15:22:00.003-04:002010-10-21T16:26:57.015-04:00

Healthcare reform made some changes to Medicare that make careful review of your options during open enrollment more important than ever this year. You have probably heard about cuts to Medicare, at least in the wide array of negative campaign advertising this election season, but actually Medicare coverage is expanded under the reforms, not cut. Medicare reimbursements to managed care plans is

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-9357991236428056882010-10-20T16:28:00.002-04:002010-10-20T16:33:25.455-04:00

Abuse in Later Life: A Focus on Parents Abused by Adult ChildrenThis free training will provide an overview of the dynamics of abuse in later life when adult children abuse their parents. The training will utilize video clips of survivors to aid in discussion, analysis, and strategies for developing safety and accountability plans.Intended Audience: DV, sexual assault & system based victim

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-27947221527842260922010-09-29T15:54:00.001-04:002010-09-29T15:57:21.623-04:00

from the National Senior Citizens Law Center:STANDARD PRINT NOTICE NOT SUFFICIENT FOR BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED Some 3 million blind and visually impaired Social Security beneficiaries -- two thirds over age 80 -- are entitled to receive notices about their benefits in Braille or on a Microsoft CD thanks to a successful lawsuit. However, some 80% of those in the class affected by this decision

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-92046870872584425612010-07-08T08:57:00.002-04:002010-07-08T09:38:01.470-04:00

West Virginia Senior Legal Aid was awarded a Model Approaches to Statewide Legal Assistance Systems grant from the federal Administration on Aging. It is a 3 year demonstration grant designed to create a comprehensive, well-integrated, cost-effective, efficient and high quality legal services delivery system for needy senior West Virginians. The objectives of the project include:1. Convene

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-17792745104857903692010-06-28T06:28:00.002-04:002010-06-28T06:35:34.225-04:00

Longest serving Senator in US history, West Virginian of the 20th Century, and fiddle player Robert Byrd has died. There is hardly a mile of West Virginia that doesn't show a road or building or bridge dedicated to Byrd who proudly brought millions of federal dollars to the state.

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-75311958889150479242010-06-08T10:43:00.001-04:002010-06-08T10:45:22.143-04:00

President Obama and Secretary Sebelius will be talking directly with America’s seniors about the Affordable Care Act. Tele-town hall to talk to seniors about how the law will strengthen Medicare by improving benefits, lowering costs, and giving seniors and their doctors more control over their health care. 11:40 a.m., TODAY, Tuesday, June 8 WhiteHouse.gov/live, or live on C-SPAN

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-71591192841579305992009-12-04T10:53:00.002-05:002009-12-04T10:56:42.409-05:00

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) has a very short period of time each year to accept new applications. WVDHHR has just announced this year's new applicant window:LIEAP will officially open for general intake on Monday, December 7th, and close at the end of the day on Friday, December 18th. Applications may be obtained at local DHHR offices, Community Action agencies, or senior

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-34618579706185324222009-10-15T11:30:00.005-04:002009-10-15T11:37:17.923-04:00

Get a free email subscription to the West Virginia Aging and Law newsletter by signing up at www.tinyurl.com/aginglaw. The newsletter is a joint publication of West Virginia Senior Legal Aid and the West Virginia Regional Long-term Care Ombudsman Program.

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-51296349410342405462009-10-15T11:08:00.002-04:002009-10-15T11:30:02.872-04:00

Social Security beneficiaries have received cost of living allowances (COLA) every year since 1975, when the automatic adjustments were created in the program. The adjustment is calculated based on the an particularly aspect of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which has actually gone down in the past 12 months for the first time in decades. The law prohibits cuts in the benefit amount based on

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-13812171329217718112009-10-06T10:38:00.003-04:002009-10-06T10:43:57.994-04:00

Some of the folks I meet who provide various services to seniors show real passion when it comes to advocacy for their clients. You know who you are! If you are considering law school, or are currently a law student, you might find some useful and interesting information on www.lawschool.org.

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-80950363211128599602009-07-23T09:34:00.002-04:002009-07-23T09:40:48.551-04:00

The West Virginia Grandparent Visitation statute (WV Code §48-10-101, et seq.) was modified by the 2009 legislature to make Family Court the exclusive jurisdiction for petitions and motions. There is an exception for grandchildren who are the subject of pending abuse or neglect cases, the appropriate jurisdiction for those cases will continue to be the Circuit Court. See SB 4051 amending WV

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-33928761365469086232009-06-26T14:48:00.002-04:002009-06-26T15:03:10.649-04:00

We have a new head of the federal Administration on Aging. The US Senate has confirmed the nomination of Kathy Greenlee to the post. Ms. Greenlee has a broad range of experience in the aging services system in Kansas, at various times serving as head of the state unit on aging, second in command there, state long-term care ombudsman, and head of the state SHIP program (called SHICK in Kansas).

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-13664304259455701702009-06-26T14:03:00.003-04:002009-06-26T14:08:20.635-04:00

A fairly sophisticated scam has duped several West Virginia seniors into wiring money to unidentified scammers in Canada. The scam starts with a call to the senior by someone who sounds like the senior's grandchild claiming to be in jail in Canada and needing money to be wired to him or her in order to be released. Apparently the scammers learn specific details about the grandchild and even

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-35457188218348674612009-05-18T14:07:00.000-04:002009-05-18T14:08:20.522-04:00

Thanks to everyone who completed our online survey. We appreciate and value your input.

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-67412892667725165692009-03-26T16:39:00.002-04:002009-03-26T17:00:13.523-04:00

The other shoe has finally dropped. Advocates have been wondering when the changes required by federal legislation in 2005 would be implemented in West Virginia. But we weren't hoping it would happen any time soon, since almost all these changes will make it harder for some West Virginians to become eligible for Medicaid to pay their long-term care bills.The changes apply to people who apply

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-63557127501648028992009-02-18T09:11:00.004-05:002009-02-18T09:18:56.426-05:00

2009 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of ColumbiaFamily SizeGross Yearly IncomeGross Monthly IncomeApprox Hourly Income1$10,830$903$5.212$14,570$1,214$7.003$18,310$1,526$8.804$22,050$1,838$10.605$25,790$2,149$12.406$29,530$2,461$14.207$33,270$2,773$16.008$37,010$3,084$17.79add'l+$3,740+$312+$1.80Source: Federal Register Vol. 74, No. 14, January 23, 2009, pp

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-79776662358918749392009-02-17T10:50:00.004-05:002009-02-17T11:04:33.121-05:00

To have your answers count please complete this survey no later than March 20, 2009.Loading...

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-52992229194544770292009-02-11T10:20:00.002-05:002009-02-11T10:56:04.348-05:00

Though the House did pass a bill delaying the Digital TV transition to June 12, 2009, your local TV stations have the option of cutting off their analog signals any time after February 17, 2009. Several West Virginia TV stations will no longer be broadcasting in analog as of that date.It is not clear whether the digital TV signals will be stronger than the digital signals they are broadcasting

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-24828655072269470022009-01-29T12:19:00.002-05:002009-01-29T12:31:28.062-05:00

The US House of Representatives failed to get the 2/3 majority needed to pass a bill that would have delayed the 2/17/09 deadline for analog TV broadcasts. The vote was 258-168 in favor. The Senate passed a similar bill unanimously earlier this week. The 2/3 majority was required in the House because the bill was being considered under a suspension of the rules procedure. The Chairman of the

cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287798102000826109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-15040309484497649272009-01-27T06:05:00.001-05:002009-01-27T06:52:02.323-05:00

Yesterday the Senate passed a bill to delay the date that TV stations will cease broadcasting analog signals until June. The House is expected to pass similar legislation quickly.The delay is designed to enable more citizens to receive the discount coupons for converter boxes for TV's that use antennas rather than cable or satellite dish for reception. A mere delay, however, will not solve the

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-18514882820154515662008-11-11T15:37:00.001-05:002008-11-12T08:45:57.057-05:00

Maximum Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment amounts increase with the automatic cost-of-living increases that apply to Social Security benefits. The latest such increase, 5.8 percent, becomes effective January 2009. The monthly maximum Federal amounts for 2009 are $674 for an eligible individual, $1,011 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse, and $338 for an essential

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-88344287180366291942008-09-29T15:25:00.002-04:002008-09-29T15:30:19.069-04:00

This is only the 6th time since Medicare was created in 1965 that the Part B premium has stayed the same for 2 years in a row. But thankfully in 2009 the premiums for Medicare Part B will remain the same as they were in 2008. The following is a listing of the Medicare premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates that will be in effect in 2009:Medicare Premiums for 2009:Part A: (Hospital Insurance

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-68474443458903671762008-09-10T12:57:00.002-04:002008-09-10T13:01:19.086-04:00

That new car smell is the best. The feeling of driving around in a new ride is sensational. But what happens when the experience sours and your new car starts smelling like a lemon? Unfortunately, seniors – who are least able to afford it – are often victimized by unscrupulous dealers and manufacturers. However, West Virginia’s lemon law gives you the right to take action – and turn your lemon

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-65105983358729520282008-07-15T10:47:00.001-04:002008-07-15T10:48:57.508-04:00

There is a middle finger at the end of the video, so please do not watch if that will offend you. Long live rock.

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-79867893480421166192008-07-14T13:28:00.002-04:002008-07-14T13:45:57.600-04:00

On July 9, 2008 the US Senate passed H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, by the veto-proof margin of 69 in favor to 30 against. Only one Senator was not present to vote, Senator and Republican presidential candidate John McCain.The bill renewed the Qualified Individual (QI) program, which helps moderately low-income seniors pay Part B premiums, and which had

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-34674886254335387512008-06-27T11:39:00.002-04:002008-06-27T12:32:05.807-04:00

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 3195 by a whopping 402-17 vote, seeking to bring people with partial and medicated disabilities back under the protection of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).The ADA was originally passed in 1990, but has seen a narrowing of its protections over the years through various lines of US Supreme Court decisions. Though many Americans think of the ADA

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-51397511453475049402008-05-07T15:00:00.000-04:002008-05-07T15:01:34.745-04:00

WEST VIRGINIA Gets a New Area Code – Start Dialing 10-digit Local Calls To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the 681 area code will be added to the same geographic area served by the 304 area code, which is the entire state of West Virginia. Get ready to change the way you dial your local calls! Local Dialing Procedure Change The new dialing procedure for local

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-23678434215331654332008-02-28T09:45:00.003-05:002008-02-28T09:51:46.996-05:00

Seniors who collect only Social Security can qualify for this one-time check, but even those who would not normally have to file a tax return must file to get the money. SSI benefits do not count toward the $3000 income needed to qualify, but SSI recepients who get that much from another source may qualify. Here are answer to common questions below:From National Council on Aging;Call Hilary

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-61137818818616828992008-01-28T11:40:00.000-05:002008-01-28T11:43:25.069-05:00

2008 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of ColumbiaFamily SizeGross Yearly IncomeGross Monthly IncomeApproximate Hourly Income1$10,400$867$5.002$14,000$1,167$6.733$17,600$1,467$8.464$21,200$1,767$10.195$24,800$2,067$11.926$28,400$2,367$13.657$32,000$2,667$15.388$35,600$2,967$17.12add'l+$3,600+$300+$1.73Source: Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 15, January 23,

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-54975647199969141592008-01-24T13:16:00.000-05:002008-01-24T13:20:18.165-05:00

A one-year committee was created by resolution of the House of Delegates to have jurisdiction over senior citizen issues. The committee is chaired by District 28 Delegate Thomas W. Campbell (D - Greenbrier). The legislature's webpage for the committee is here, and you can find the list of members there and committee agendas, when they become available.

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-77130288691031467892008-01-24T10:13:00.000-05:002008-01-24T11:11:54.306-05:00

Our state unit on aging, the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services (BoSS), sorts through the every piece of legislation coming out of both House and Senate to identify which bills may impact senior West Virginians. You can read a weekly report from BoSS listing those bills, what they are about, who sponsored them, and where they are in the legislative process by going to this section of their

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-5002800320118181192008-01-16T13:46:00.000-05:002008-01-16T13:53:45.739-05:00

Here's a link to a longterm care planning kit I recently discovered from AoA. You have to put your ZIP code first, then click Download, and you get a 27 page .pdf file, only 2 MB, with some questions to ask yourself and resources to consult and steps you can take. Beware that first and foremost the toolkit pushes longterm care insurance. I don't think LTC insurance is a reasonably affordable

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-79739069716143592862008-01-14T16:21:00.001-05:002008-01-14T16:24:20.062-05:00

The Mountain State Center for Independent Living has an extensive resource database (almost 2000 entries) at www.mtstcil.org/resources/search.php. You can inter some search parameters and get lots of results which include a brief line or two about the resource, and snailmail, email, phone, and fax contact info.

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-25001619929036540342008-01-14T12:07:00.000-05:002008-01-14T12:18:02.557-05:00

The 2008 WV Legislative calendar is available online now at the legislature's website. The information packet detailing the members and committees, as well as a variety of state agency information, is also available as a 32 page .pdf here.

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-9814807374744975742008-01-08T10:42:00.000-05:002008-01-08T13:00:20.019-05:00

In 2006 it got harder to be be determined medically eligible for the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver program in West Virginia. Increasing numbers of new applicants were being denied eligibility, and increasing numbers of beneficiaries of the program were being thrown off or getting levels of care reduced because they were failing their redeterminations under the PAS 2005. Some of the

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-78758465048760229052007-10-02T13:58:00.000-04:002007-10-02T14:12:04.497-04:00

Here is some additional information about the WVSOS registered voter postcard many seniors have received. As more information becomes available, we will continue to post it here. (See this post http://seniorlegalaid.blogspot.com/2007/10/wv-elder-alert-postcard-from-wvsos.html for basic information about these postcards.)What if I threw the postcard away? According to the WVSOS election

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-33239726297384365082007-10-02T11:13:00.000-04:002007-10-02T11:43:49.736-04:00

193,000 West Virginians, many older adults, have received or will receive a postcard in the mail from the WV Secretary of State's (WVSOS) office requesting some personal information. This is not a scam, I have verified with the WVSOS elections division that this request is indeed from them. They explained that federal law (the Help America Vote Act of 2002) requires them to keep a statewide

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-87485963807745235632007-06-22T09:08:00.000-04:002007-06-22T09:39:14.606-04:00

Client's Age: 64County: PutnamClient's daughter has Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA), and has recently been exploiting client and treating her unkindly. Client wanted someone else to have MPOA, so we explained how to revoke her old one, sent her a blank form to fill out, and instructed her to give copies of the new document to all her medical providers as well as her new agent.

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-27337994142381394542007-06-21T15:44:00.000-04:002007-06-21T17:03:03.572-04:00

Client's age: 81County: OhioClient recently bought home for herself and blind son with his wife to live in, but now deeply regretted it. Client quickly had to move because of pet allergies, and son and wife could not afford the home, so foreclosure was imminent. We examined client's financial circumstances, explained that she was otherwise collection proof, and could live in accessible senior

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-67774054427502358192007-04-30T12:15:00.000-04:002007-04-30T12:19:55.853-04:00

Client's Age: 67County: MasonClient's husband passed away several months ago, and her household income plummeted. Her monthly mortgage payment is more than her entire monthly income, but she has been making the payment with the life insurance benefit. The insurance has run out and she wanted to know what to do. We examined her finances, including her assets, debts, income, expenses, and

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-43126461108118407372007-04-30T12:04:00.000-04:002007-04-30T12:14:15.269-04:00

Client's Age: 82County: PocahontasClient is a nursing home resident whose physician has determined he lacks the capacity to make his own healthcare decisions. His estranged wife has Medical Power of Attorney for him, he is considering divorce, and he doesn't want her to have that authority anymore. We explained to C that divorce would automatically legally revoke her authority for him under

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-1535843012032381032007-04-17T11:40:00.000-04:002007-04-17T11:54:31.188-04:00

The monthly private-pay nursing home care rate is part of what DHHR uses to determine how long your penalty will be for certain uncompensated transfers of assets if you apply for nursing home Medicaid. That figure has been increased to $5,087 as of March 1, 2007 www.wvdhhr.org/bcf/policy/imm/IMManualChanges/451/ch17_10.pdfFor several years (approximately 8?) the figure has been the very low

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-29347844932117332972007-04-17T11:33:00.001-04:002007-04-17T11:38:30.385-04:00

Client's Age: 63County: PutnamClient had a fairly unusual circumstance, of having her home deeded in both her and her ex-husband's name, though they had been divorced for over 25 years. Now ex-husband may need nursing home Medicaid benefits, and client was worried about the state taking the home because his name was still on it. We examined her circumstances and explained that if the deed were

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-10089137831252043692007-04-17T11:26:00.000-04:002007-04-17T11:30:55.027-04:00

Client's Age: 65County: TaylorClient and her now-deceased husband had put their home in their daughter's name to protect it for client from her husband's son from a former marriage. Now she is having disputes with her daughter and wants to put the house back in her own name. We explained that once the deed was made to the daughter, the property became daughter's (subject to the life estate

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-89910405621719606032007-04-17T11:16:00.000-04:002007-04-17T11:19:59.907-04:00

Client's Age: 75County: LincolnClient lives alone with her two cats, and the cats both seemed sick. She heard about the recent large-scale cat food recall for food contaminants that were life-threatening for the animals. Once we determined which brands and types of cat food she had given them, we reviewed the recall website and determined that none of the foods her cats ate were on the long

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-47709113440433379482007-04-17T11:08:00.000-04:002007-04-17T11:14:11.513-04:00

Client's Age: 69County: ClayClient, a widow who recently moved from another state to WV to be near his son, has been diagnosed with early Alzheimers. He called us with a variety of legal questions as he is trying to get his affairs in order as he anticipates his future mental incapacity. He had been told to transfer his assets to his son to qualify for long-term care Medicaid. That is a

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-26185646705976126362007-04-17T10:58:00.000-04:002007-04-17T11:05:17.978-04:00

Client's Age: 69County: OhioClient has 4 credit card debts with which she has been struggling to keep up payments, plus medical debt, she's in arrears with her utilities, and has a mortgage and car payment. After carefully reviewing her assets, income sources, debt, and expenses, we explained that she is largely collection-proof, except for a small private pension that is a relatively small

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-29736384239425310412007-03-12T10:35:00.000-04:002007-03-12T10:40:13.580-04:00

Client's Age: 77County: LewisClient has so much credit card debt she doesn't know what to do. Her income is limited to Social Security and a widow's benefit from Workers Compensation from her deceased husband. I reviewed her assets, expenses, and income sources with her and explained that she is collection proof, and that means that she can protect virtually everything she has from these

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-16212458846823629862007-03-05T13:54:00.000-05:002007-03-05T14:11:23.473-05:00

Client's Age: 97County: KanawhaClient has been caring for his wife who has dementia for over a decade. Her capacity has diminished to the point where he will have to feed her soon, and she cannot answer any questions. He has been told he needed power of attorney for her and wanted to know how to do that. We had a long conversation about mental capacity and legal decisionmaking, and I

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-25374218942590598942007-03-05T13:51:00.000-05:002007-03-05T13:54:50.743-05:00

Client's Age: 81County: GrantClient had called us 5 years ago and gotten help getting a creditor to stop harrassing her. Now a debt collector is calling, but she does not believe she owes this debt at all. I helped C obtain a free credit report, reviewed it with her to see that no such debt existed that matched the debt collector's description of the debt, and explained to C how to write a

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-28533190077825484092007-03-05T13:46:00.000-05:002007-03-05T13:49:53.040-05:00

Client's Age: 62County: MasonClient has been married for over 35 years and her husband has become a problem gambler. She never earned a paycheck and wanted to know what would happen if they divorced regarding income, assets, and the debts he has been accumulating which she suspects are significant. I explained that she will generally have a right to 1/2 of any pension he earned during their

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-55752546711892491372007-03-05T13:35:00.000-05:002007-03-05T13:40:01.771-05:00

Client's Age: 84County: MonongaliaClient called because her daughter keeps threatening to have her declared incompetent, and client is very worried that daughter is greedy and wants her inheritance now. I explained that no one can declare her incompetent without a court proceeding where she would get appointed a lawyer to represent her, and have opportunity to testify and present evidence. I

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-87155587599372878742007-03-02T10:39:00.000-05:002007-03-02T10:40:01.833-05:00

Effective March 1, 2007, the figure used in West Virginia to calculate the penalty period for uncompensated transfers of assets in the long-term care Medicaid program changed. The WV Bureau for Medical Services (our state's Medicaid agency) divides this figure (which is the private pay nursing home rate) by the the fair market value of the transfer to determine how many months of penalty the

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-42989344544216611082007-02-15T08:51:00.000-05:002007-02-15T09:01:45.505-05:00

County: RandolphClient's Age: 60Client fell and was injured because of unsafe conditions, and the adverse party's insurance company told Client they would cover all his medical costs plus 60% of his suffering. Later insurance company told Client they were offering to be 60% liable overall. Client thought that meant he would have to pay 40% of his medical expenses out of pocket. Since Client

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-1169648661438300352007-01-24T09:15:00.000-05:002007-01-24T09:24:21.636-05:00

County: HancockClient's Age: 74Client has not wanted divorce, but has been living separately from husband for a year and he has stopped giving her any income. Though they have already sold the house and divided the proceeds, she can't live on less than $400 a month which she gets from SS and they have about $10,000 in savings she is worried he will spend. She wants to file for divorce, but is

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-1164637585226259872006-11-27T09:21:00.000-05:002006-11-27T09:26:27.866-05:00

County: WetzelClient's Age: 78Client's husband is applying for Nursing Home Medicaid, and NH is asking for financial information from client to complete the application. Client and husband, however, have been estraned and legally separated for over 30 years. Client was concerned about whether Medicaid Estate Recovery could apply to her home. We explained the federal right of spousal refusal

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7931018.post-1163539715185666322006-11-14T16:25:00.000-05:002006-11-14T16:28:35.463-05:00

County: UpshurClient's Age: 67Client's deceased husband was a coal miner. She had been receiving Black Lung benefits but was notified they were being terminated. We located an experienced attorney to represent her in filing an appeal, and he successfully got her benefits restored.

cathy mcconnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01737987428001812841noreply@blogger.com0