Welcome Our New Attorney
Emma Hemness, January 6, 2012
Many of you have known me from the very, VERY beginning in 1998 when there was only me, myself and I. Then, toward the end of 2003, Jay joined the office as the second attorney. I won't kid any of you in saying... [
more]
2012 Increase in VA A&A Benefit
Emma Hemness, November 29, 2011
Veteran's and veteran's spouses receiving the Aid & Attendance disability pension benefit will get a raise in 2012.
... [
more]
When is Probate a Good Thing?
Emma Hemness, November 27, 2011
The impression that probate is ALWAYS something to be avoided is expressed by my clients repeatedly. In fact, I would have to say that it is their number one objective to avoid probate. However, there is one area... [
more]
How Important is a Designation?
Emma Hemness, November 23, 2011
When you have a serious health care issue, don't you look for a doctor that has special skills and expertise in the area of medicine covering your specific illness? If your answer is "yes", why should the... [
more]
ObamaCare Controversy - US Supreme Court to Decide
Emma Hemness, November 14, 2011
Making this one of the most significant and political undertakings in the last decade, the United States Supreme Court (our highest court in the nation) agreed today to hear the arguments regarding the constitutionality of the... [
more]
Seniors Get a Raise in 2012
Emma Hemness, October 20, 2011
Early reports indicate that seniors will get a raise in their social security checks in 2012 for the first time since 2009. These award letters should be arriving in the mail in the next few weeks. Make sure to hang onto these... [
more]
Medicare Plan Enrollment Ends Early!
Emma Hemness, October 13, 2011
The time period for new enrollment into Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage plans, including the ability to shift between plans, is open NOW!
... [
more]
New POA Statute - "Confusion Reigns!"
Emma Hemness, October 7, 2011
Even though the law became effective less than one week ago, we're already seeing the confusion being generated by the new Florida Power of Attorney Statute.
... [
more]
Medicaid Reform Request Released to Public
Emma Hemness, August 5, 2011
As a result of legislation passed during the 2011 Legislative Session, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has been following the mandate to develop a plan (a waiver) which follows the desires of our Florida legislators --... [
more]
Diversion Slots Open Now!
Emma Hemness, August 5, 2011
On Wednesday this week, in a memo from Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA), Medicaid Diversion providers were notified that seniors on the Waiting List for home and assisted living facility Medicaid could be... [
more]
Congratulations, Emma!
Gerald Hemness, July 28, 2011
June was quite a month for Emma and, though my posts are infrequent, I wanted to take a moment to share her achievements with all of you and to let her know how proud I am of her.
... [
more]
Public Hearings Scheduled on Medicaid Reform
Emma Hemness, June 4, 2011
Since the State's Legislature passed the Medicaid Reform legislation (HB 7107 and HB 7109), the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is now required by state and federal law to hold hearings around the State of Florida... [
more]
Is Your "Power of Attorney" Powerless?
Emma Hemness, May 23, 2011
A new Florida law overhauls the existing Power of Attorney statute effective October 1, 2011. This new law changes how the legal document known as "power of attorney" must be validly created, signed, drafted,... [
more]
"Herding Cats" - Public Policy Advocacy
Emma Hemness, May 13, 2011
"Herding cats" has become one of my most favorite expressions. It has the ability to create such a vivid mental picture in your mind. And, I'm back at it again.
... [
more]
Thank You to The Bridges and Alzheimers Association
Emma Hemness, May 13, 2011
I just wanted to take this opportunity to say "thank you" to The Bridges and the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimers Association for hosting the Caregivers Symposium yesterday, May 12, and for allowing me to be one of two... [
more]
Nursing Homes Take Huge Budget Cut
Emma Hemness, May 12, 2011
In the State of Florida's budget effective on July 1, 2011, there were two losers, in particular: (1) Nursing homes who accept Medicaid reimbursement from the State to pay for the cost of care of senior on Medicaid; and (2)... [
more]
Q&A for Seniors about Medicaid Reform
Emma Hemness, May 12, 2011
Concerned about how Medicaid Reform will affect you or the seniors in your family?
... [
more]
Spouses Keep More Income
Emma Hemness, May 10, 2011
If your spouse is in a nursing care facility on Medicaid, you may be allowed a certain allowance from your spouse's income. The amount you keep of your spouse's income depends upon your own income... [
more]
Medicaid Reform Legislation Passes
Emma Hemness, May 7, 2011
In the final hours on the last day of the 2011 Legislative Session, Medicaid Reform legislation passed. The controversial legislation will require mandatory enrollment for nearly all Medicaid recipients into a managed care plan... [
more]
Jay Receives Hillsborough Co. School Board Award
Emma Hemness, May 7, 2011
In a ceremony on Thursday evening, May 5, Jay received a nice surprise when he was called up on stage at an awards ceremony held by the Hillsborough County School Board. In front of a room of over 200 attendees, Jay received the... [
more]
Florida "Power of Attorney" Statute Overhauled
Emma Hemness, May 6, 2011
Two days ago, in the final hours of the 2011 Legislative Session, proposed legislation passed to completely overhaul Florida's Power of Attorney statute, F.S. 709.08. The last time this law was significantly changed... [
more]
Medicaid Reform Legislation: A brief overview
Emma Hemness, April 30, 2011
This Legislative Session, now in its final 2 weeks, will be historic if the massive overhaul of the Florida's Medicaid programs is approved as anticipated. In an effort to control spending, Medicaid Reform legislation proposes to bring... [
more]
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