E-Newsletter of January 3, 2012 | Vol. 4, No. 51
The Current Eligibility Figures Chart has been updated to include the new numbers for 2012. Note that for the first time in three years the minimum and maximum community spouse asset allowances have increased. Also note that beginning in 2012, the home equity limit is now tied to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and will increase each year. This year, the new limit is $525,000.
Submitted by Laurie Hanson, Esq.
Chair of the Communications Committee
lhanson@mnelderlaw.com
Named as a 2011 LexisNexis Top 25 Estate Planning and Elder Law Blog, "Minnesota Estate Planning and Probate" is a monthly blog by attorney Jennifer Gumbel that addresses common questions and current issues about estate planning and probate in Minnesota. To check out the blog, click here.
Submitted by Megan K. Stowers
stow5755@stthomas.edu
Walgreens-Express Scripts feud could affect thousands in Minnesota, Wisconsin |Pioneer Press
State cuts to Medicaid affect patients, providers | CBS News
Retirement: Three Big Questions – To make sure your financial future is secure, answer this trio of questions | AARP
Caught in the middle: Sandwich caregivers juggle caring for elderly parents and children |
Star Tribune
Minnesota's oldest resident dies | Star Tribune
For some in need, Facebook is route to new kidney | Pioneer Press
Walker reverses Medicaid stance in plan to keep elderly out of nursing homes | Pioneer Press
Forest Lake man acquitted of stealing money from mother | Pioneer Press
Mahtomedi woman sentenced for bilking relative out of almost $200K | Pioneer Press
Submitted by Joel Smith, Esq.
joel@koslawfirm.com
There are no new Minnesota cases to report this week.
#11-21-12 Simplifying the MinnesotaCare Employer Subsidized Insurance Verification Requirements. This bulletin provides policy and instructions to simplify the process for verifying applicant and enrollee access to ESI. The bulletin, dated December 16, 2011, can be found here.
Submitted by Peter M. Hendricks, Esq.
phendricks@gblawoffice.com
There are no upcoming events or CLE programs to report this week.
MA COMMITTEE MEETING: The next MA Committee meeting will be at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2011. The Medical Assistance Committee is a study group to analyze Elder Law Section member questions and case studies and to discuss administrative policies and procedures in relation to Medical Assistance in Minnesota. Cathryn D. Reher of Long, Reher & Hanson, P.A., is Committee Chair. For directions, or to attend by phone, please contact Tracie Fenske with Long, Reher & Hanson, P.A., at 952-929-0622 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Topics for the meeting may be submitted to tfenske@mnelderlaw.com under the subject heading “MA Committee Topic”, or faxed to 952-542-9201. Please be reminded that the meeting location is: Estate & Elder Law Services (formerly MAO Legal Services), Monroe Village, 1900 Central Avenue NE, Suite 106, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418. There are a few parking spaces behind the building and lots of street parking. People should walk to the back of the building and come to the back door which faces directly into the meeting room.
GOVERNING COUNCIL: The next meeting of the Elder Law Section Governing Council will be on Friday, February 17, 2011 at 3:30 pm at the offices of the Volunteers of America (VOA) at 1900 Central Avenue NE, Suite 106, Minneapolis, MN 55418.For further information, please contact Suzy Scheller, Chair, at: suzy@schellerlegalsolutions.com.
DON'T FORGET THAT THE ELDER LAW WEBSITE IS A GREAT RESOURCE. Here’s what you can find on the Website: Links to the DHS Health Care Programs Manual, the DHS Bulletin on treatment of uncompensated transfers, the Minnesota Bankers Association Compliance Bulletin on Powers of Attorney, legislative summary; Practice Links to organizations such as NAELA, ABA Commission on Law and Aging, Links to Federal and State Government Agencies, Statutes, and Regulations; Meeting Notices, Listings of Officers and Council Members, Section Bylaws, and more.
Go to the Section Website 
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