In June, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) announced that changes are being drafted to the laws regarding qualification for the VA pension benefit, commonly called the “Aid & Attendance” benefit. The Aid and Attendance benefit provides a monthly check to veterans and widow/ers of veterans who have long-term care needs at home, in assisted living, or in skilled nursing care. Currently, the VA regulations do not impose a look-back period, unlike Medicaid. Due to an investigation into the sale of annuities by financial advisers and the use of certain trusts by attorneys, the laws are being re-written and will likely impose a look-back similar to Medicaid. The new laws are scheduled to be released toward the end of 2013. The Medicaid look-back is currently five years, and it is speculated that the proposed look-back for VA might mirror the 5 year Medicaid period.
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- Joanne explained our options in estate planning very thoroughly and in terms we could understand. She is a very knowledgeable, professional and compassionate person.
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