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THE ESTATE TAX EXEMPTION REPEAL BOOGEYMAN-VERSION 4.0

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    We have reached that time again where the repeal of the federal estate tax exemption boogeyman (the “Repeal Boogeyman”) is being trotted out by many.   This is the fourth time in my 18-year career this has happened.   Before addressing the Repeal Boogeyman more, let us first look at where things stand as to the federal estate tax exemption. Next year, any person with a pulse will be able to shield $13,610,000 from the federal estate tax.   Together, a married couple can shield $27,220,000.   In 2025, this amount will increase until the estate tax D-Day /Armageddon hits on January 1, 2026.   On that date, the exemption amount will revert to $6,800,000 and be “adjusted for inflation”.   With the high rate of inflation we have seen over the past few years, many believe, when adjusted for inflation, the new exclusion amount will be around 7.5 million per person.    Meaning, even if the Repeal Boogeyman has his way, a married couple can still protect a hefty 15 million dollars.   The
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Estate Planning, Medicaid Preparation, or Both?

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 In our last article the discussion centered around the importance of planning in advance for the possibility of needing Medicaid in the future.   Essentially the idea being to plan for the worst, and hope for the best.   This type of forethought is imperative given that Medicaid requires planning to occur at least five years in advance of needing assistance with paying for the costs of home assisted living or long-term nursing care. The Medicaid Estate Recovery Program allows the government to place a lien on any real estate owned by the Medicaid recipient after death. If you are 55 years and older, and receive Medicaid coverage, your assets are subject to a Medicaid lien without the proper planning.    Depending on the level of care needed, according to recent Genworth figures, the average cost of assisted living is $4,500 per month, and the average monthly cost of skilled nursing is $8,910. Failing to plan for how to pay for these costs can result in the loss of a family farm, or
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Medicaid-Why you and your farm should care.

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Medicaid – What is it and why should you (and your farm) should care? Our law firm frequently gets calls from clients wanting to inquire about making a Last Will and Testament or appointing someone as Power of Attorney.   This is quite often prompted by the death of a loved one, the diagnosis of an unexpected illness, or being told of a negative estate experience by a friend or neighbor.   Estate planning at any stage of life is something we would always encourage, but there is an aspect of planning that we often times find overlooked and that is planning in advance for Medicaid. There is much confusion about not only the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, but how and what each program covers specifically.   For the purposes of this article, we will be focusing the discussion on long term care needs such as the expense of a nursing home.   For that discussion, the only important thing to note about Medicare, including Medicare supplement insurance, is that it will not cov
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