The Navigator

SEPTEMBER 2021 NEWSLETTER

Trusting for Today and Tomorrow

One of the hardest things that we have to do in life is to make choices. I should rephrase that statement…making choices in life is easy; making the right choices, for the right reasons, at the right times can be difficult. And whilst we might like to believe that will all the technology that we have access to today, it might be easier; the reality is that the technology that encompasses our lives today may be making our ability to make choices – the right choices for the right reasons at the right times – actually a bit trickier.

One of the reasons that making choices is that our access to information has increased tremendously with all our technology, and that is both a good news thing and a bad news thing. It is good news because it takes us less time to find out what is going on in the world, but bad news because now we have to make decisions more quickly. Equally, because we have more access to information, we also have to be more careful about trusting the information we may read. The key word here is “trusting.” According to the dictionary, “trusting” is defined as, a “Firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.”

Making the right choices, for the right reasons, at the right times in today’s face-paced, often crazy appearing, world can be easier if you have someone that you can trust to help you figure out what is the best for you to do, both for the short-term (perhaps literally tomorrow) and the long-term (perhaps several years in the future).

Almost eight years ago, I received a message that said my Uncle (actually my favourite Uncle) was very ill and the person from the home said that they didn’t expect him to be here much longer. I immediately flew to Melbourne where my Aunt and Uncle had a home to be with him. Whilst there, I met a man who said that he had been my Uncle’s attorney and said that he would help me with any arrangements I would need to make at my Uncle’s passing. I had never even met this man prior to my arrival in Melbourne from Spain but after asking him some pretty important questions, I realised that my Uncle had made the right choice, for the right reasons, at the right time for someone that he could trust and advise him on the choices that my Uncle needed to make. After my Uncle passed, I stayed in contact with that attorney and am pleased to think of him as someone I would recommend as a trusted counsel for anyone who needs to make the right choices, for the right reasons, at the right times. If you are wondering who you could talk to in order to make your own right choices, for the right reasons, at the right times, I would recommend you talk David Slonim, Esq, or any of the team at Slonim Law in Melbourne. Making choices is only easier if you have someone who you can trust to help you do what is best for you, both for today, and tomorrow.

Written exclusively for SlonimLaw, Melbourne Florida by Dr. James B Rieley

A New Staff Member? Yes!

Welcome Elle!

Elle has joined the team to take over as Waterview Title’s Title Coordinator. She previously worked in the legal field for more than 20 years with a focus on Probate and Estate Planning. Now she works with Jon Lack to ensure all of your title needs are handled swiftly and professionally.

When Elle is not in the office, she loves to spend time at the beach with her family and her 3 dogs.

The What’s and How’s of Medicaid

with Barbara & Katie

Medicaid planning may seem like a daunting task but don’t stress! We are here to help and simplify it for you.

Lets start from the top.

Medicaid Planning is the process of assisting families with qualifying and applying for Medicaid insurance benefits to be used for long term care, whether in crisis or prior.

Legal planning techniques are used to safeguard assets, preserve those assets from being depleted and assist with the cost of nursing home care.

There are 3 types of Medicaid.

The Institutional Care Program (ICP Medicaid)- used for nursing facilities
The Medicaid Waiver Program- used for an assisted living facility or home care
The Waitlist for Waiver Program based on Need- where clients call the Aging Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for an intake interview and the attorneys of Slonim Law assist with the process.

What Documents Do I Need?

Here at Slonim Law we have a few set documents we use. The most commonly used Medicaid planning legal documents are the Qualified Income Trust (QIT) and the Personal Service Contract (PSC).

The QIT is used when an applicant’s income is over the income limit for Medicaid. Excess income is transferred each month to a QIT bank account. The PSC is used to preserve an applicant’s assets and transfer funds to a care provider.

Did you know? The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) processes all Medicaid applications and determines eligibility.

How Long Does it Take?

As with everything legal, there are timelines to be followed. We like our schedules around here! Applications for Medicaid must be submitted by 5:00pm on or prior to the last day of the month in order to be eligible for that month. The process usually takes 30-45 days, but it can take up to 60 days depending on your financial situation. The annual process of renewing Medicaid benefits involves completing the online application and providing to DCF the applicant’s current income and asset verifications.

What about Medicaid Patient Liability?

Medicaid patient liability is the amount paid to the facility each month. This amount is based on the applicant’s income versus private pay amount of $10,000- $20,000 per month.

What does our team do?

So our job is to ensure you have all the verification documents in order as DCF and Medicaid require very specific documents regarding you and your spouse’s income, assets and expenses. We submit the Medicaid applications and annual recertification applications then follow up with you and the facilities regarding any other documentation needed. Most importantly, we working with DCF and the Centers for Excellence in resolving any case issues that may arise.

Medicaid Planning does not have to be a huge task for you. We are here to help. Hop onto our website and book an appointment online. Or, you can call us at (321) 757-5701 extension 201 and Barbara will assist you with making an appointment. Either way, we look forward to working with you soon and hope this helped ease your worries!

Hi Everyone! My name is Alexis and I am the Estate Planning Coordinator. I am your primary point of contact when it comes to your estate planning documents. If you have questions, I’m the one to ask. I am also responsible for drafting draft every individuals personal documents and make them reflect their wishes.

Outside of work I love to read. I am currently reading The Prestige by Christopher Priest. I highly recommend the movie too. If I am not at the office you can find me watching TV or movies, curled up with a book or spending time with my family.

GARLIC GRILLED SHRIMP SKEWERS

a Labor Day hit!

INGREDIENTS

-1 pound large shrimp

-1/4 cup olive oil

-1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

-1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

-4 cloves garlic, minced

-1 tablespoon lemon juice

-1/2 teaspoon salt

-1/4 teaspoon black pepper

-pinch cayenne pepper, adjust to spice preference

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, and spices to a small mixing bowl and whisk together.
Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour 3/4 of the marinade on top of the shrimp. Mix together gently until the shrimp are well coated.
Cover the bowl and marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes to an hour.
Thread the shrimp on the skewers and make sure to get all the good garlic and herbs from the bowl and spread on to the shrimp.
Heat a grill or grill pan on medium high heat.
Once the grill is hot, place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp to a plate and spoon the remaining marinade on top before serving.

Our Locations

Melbourne

321.757.5701
2230 N. Wickham Rd., Suite A
Melbourne, FL 32935

Kissimmee

407.483.7779
1543 Southgate Dr.
Kissimmee, FL 34746

Clearwater

727.308.5701
13575 58th St N
Clearwater, FL 33760