HomeMedicaid ChecklistAbout Jerrold E. BartholomewSubscribeMichigan Elder Law and Estate PlanningHelp for Michigan Seniors on Elder Law, Nursing Home, Medicaid, Veteran's Benefits, and Long Term CareSlashed Medicaid Rates Likely to Hurt Both Providers and Consumersby Jerrold BartholomewEarlier this fall, Michigan legislators considered a new proposal calling for a 3% tax on physicians’ gross revenues, a move which would allow Michigan to raise its low Medicaid re-imbursement rates by 4% across the board. The proposal, as it turns out, ignited a firestorm of opposition, with several hundred doctors and others in the medical community organizing in protest at the Capitol in Lansing. The bill was quickly killed in the Michigan Senate by a 32-4 vote following earlier passage in the House.In the wake of that bill’s defeat came a sucker punch for those providers who accept Medicaid payments: an 8% reduction in the already-low rates. [click to continue…]{ 0 comments }A Time for Families and Gratitudeby Jerrold BartholomewThis week we celebrate Thanksgiving and already the end of 2009 is in sight. For many, especially in Michigan, this year will conclude with a sense of “good riddance.” And yet, particularly this week, we re-kindle that spirit of gratitude that helps to bind our families and our country. We count our blessings, look past each others’ weaknesses, and spend a brief time sharing laughter, memories and good food. We also find ourselves in stolen moments contemplating our priorities, our plans, and the future. It’s a funny thing how memories and merry-making so often turn our thoughts to the future. And so it is that the life and love of this season spur us to get our houses in order and plan for our loved ones and for our own future needs. This mindfulness is prudent and provident, and we are thankful for these gentle, natural nudges the season provides. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from Priority Elder Law & Estate Planning! { 0 comments }End of Year Estate Planning?November 10, 2009Many people develop and execute a tax plan between now and the end of the year. With just about seven weeks remaining in the year, it is time to move quickly. But very few people need to plan their gifting for tax purposes anymore. With the estate tax being eliminated in 2010 and the estate […]Read the full article →Collaborating With an Elder Care Expert: Putting a Geriatric Care Manager on Your TeamNovember 9, 2009Caring for a senior gets complicated quickly. Even assuming that an ideal care regiment can be identified, financing that care, locating resources and working out the logistics of transportation, insurance and personalities can be more than a full time job. For these reasons, it is helpful to turn to a geriatric care manager. Geriatric care […]Read the full article →Boomer MisconceptionAugust 20, 2009I would like to take a moment to address what I believe to be a huge misconception