The Federal Reserve recently reported that household debt increased by $351 billion in the third quarter of the year—at its fastest pace in 15 years. Higher mortgage and credit card rates and overall inflation are making everything more expensive. Injured parties can offset some of the effects of rising prices by including an inflation component
Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) are often set up to protect an injured party’s SSI and Medicaid payments. Settlement assets placed in an SNT are not counted when determining government assistance eligibility. The eligibility rules are different, however, for HUD Section 8 housing assistance. Unlike SSI and Medicaid criteria, qualifying to receive assistance with rent payments
Last week, the Federal Reserve increased interest rates by 0.75 percent--the third time this year. Another rate increase is expected. This means we’ll see mortgage and credit card rates move higher and stock market volatility continue. Not everything is bad news, however. There is a silver lining for personal injury claimants. Rising Rates. Ten-year bond
If you haven’t considered structuring your fee, take two minutes and watch this informative video. It’s time well spent. MetLife has come out with a new video about its Non-Qualified Assignment (NQA) annuity product that enables plaintiff attorneys to structure their contingency fees. NQA Highlights: Lower tax liability when compared to a lump sum payout
Anyone who owns investments tied to the stock market knows how brutal this year has been. The S&P 500 closed the first half of 2022 down nearly 21%. A high inflation rate, supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine all are contributing to the markets’ dismal showing. Safe from market gyrations are the stable
NEW LAWS EFFECTIVE JULY 1 PERMIT DISABLED PERSONS TO KEEP MORE ASSETS WHILE STILL QUALIFYING FOR MEDI-CAL BENEFITS California's 2022 budget includes wording that dramatically increases the amount of assets a disabled person can retain and still be eligible for Medi-Cal coverage. Previously, California (as with all other states), would cap a disabled individual's assets
For the 46th year, the Black Women Lawyers Foundation (BWLF) will hold its scholarship fundraiser and awards luncheon. The date is Saturday, June 4 and will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Back in 1975 when the foundation began, there wasn't an organization that addressed the distinct needs of Black women lawyers or young
In November 2021, Medi-Cal issued a memo clarifying its position concerning Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) funds and whether they are countable as income and property when determining an individual's eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits. Medivest, a provider of Medicare Secondary Payer compliance solutions to the workers’ compensation and general liability industries, recently prepared an overview of the
California's 2022 budget includes funding that will drastically increase the amount of assets a disabled person can retain and still be eligible for Medicaid coverage. Previously, California (as does all other states), would cap an individual's assets at $2,000 (not including a home or vehicle) to qualify for Medicaid coverage. As of July 1, 2022,
