Sponsored with the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Date: Thursday, April 04, 11th, 18th, 25th & May 2nd & 9th, 2002

Location: Suffolk University Law School, 120 Tremont St., Boston, MA
Time: 04:00 PM - 07:45 PM

Fundamentals of Elder Law Practice is an in-depth, interactive, six-part series, which is taught by leading elder law attorneys. As an elder law practitioner, you need to have a firm understanding of Medicaid, asset protection, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), guardianships and conservatorships. You need to know how to prepare clients for health care decision making and advise about complicated tax issues. This course will provide a solid foundation for both new attorneys and attorneys looking to expand their elder law practice.

This course will utilize case studies and problems to teach the basic principals and "how to's" every elder law attorney needs to know. Ample time will be allotted to each topic for an in-depth discussion and an opportunity to ask questions. Fundamentals of Elder Law Practice is the only comprehensive course which provides a solid introduction to elder law practice. Participants will have an opportunity to file a Medicaid application and witness a mock fair hearing. You will also learn about the difficult ethical issues associated with elder law practice.

• How to navigate the Medicaid application process
• Specific transfer rules and potential problem areas
• How to preserve assets against the cost of long-term care
• The different kinds of guardianships/conservatorships
• The ins and outs of Social Security Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income
• Regulatory framework and the mechanics for the Medicaid fair hearing process

Session I will provide an overview of Medicaid and MassHealth, which includes a discussion of the rules and regulations, the eligibility process and HEFA's 1994 instructions concerning the treatment of trusts and asset transfers. Attend and learn specific transfer rules and problem areas: life estate and remainder interests; joint accounts; non-bank accounts; gifts; transfers over $1,000; annuities. This session will also review the Medicaid application process.

Asset Protection and Medicaid Planning Attend and learn how to preserve assets against the cost of long-term care, including both cash and the family home. Topics covered will include protecting assets through transfers of cash, real estate, the resulting Medicaid eligibility issues, and the practical issues that most commonly arise when dealing with families and asset transfers.

Attend and explore a real world fact pattern involving a typical couple with children, a single person with and without children, and a client with a disabled child. Apply tax and Medicaid strategies to each. Discussion topics include: durable power of attorney, estate plan petitions, health care proxy, living wills and ethical issues.

Attend and learn the ins and outs of Social Security Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income. Discussion will include basic eligibility, Medicare/Medicaid and new trust and transfer rules.