Count on the Minnesota Elder Law Attorneys for Guidance, Planning and Answers
At Long, Reher, Hanson & Price we’re focused on the areas of special needs and elder law, primarily representing the aging and those living with disabilities. Our uniquely qualified and experienced attorneys act as personal advocates, skillfully guiding clients through the complex and often confusing maze of legal issues surrounding government programs (including Medical Assistance and Veterans Benefits), estate planning, gifting and asset protection, nursing home and home health care planning, long-term care and more. Many people refer to our firm’s attorneys as Elder Law or Elder Care Attorneys.
Pooled Trust Victory For Those Age 65 And Older!
On January 13, 2020, LRHP attorney Laurie Hanson won a major appeal in the Minnesota Court of Appeals in a case called Pfoser v. Harpstead, Commissioner Minnesota Department of Human Services (MDHS). The case involves an important question: whether individuals age 65 and older may place funds in a pooled trust sub-account and retain or obtain eligibility for Medical Assistance or Elderly Waiver to pay for long term care services. While the federal and state Medicaid statutes allow individuals of any age to place funds into a pooled special needs trust and retain eligibility, MDHS has been penalizing individuals age 65 and older who do so by not paying for long-term care services for a specific period of time solely because the individual was over age 64 at the time the trust was funded. This case says that the imposition of the period of ineligibility must not be imposed automatically; rather MDHS must instead evaluate the facts to determine whether the individual received fair or adequate value. Because Mr. Pfoser had offered evidence of fair market value and adequate compensation which the Commissioner failed to rebut, no penalty could be imposed on Mr. Pfoser based on funds he placed in the LSS Pooled Trust. LRHP attorneys have been fighting this MDHS policy for years; it is another example of our commitment to justice for individuals who live with disabilities, regardless of age.
Elder Law Section Hall of Fame Inductees
Attorneys Cathryn D. Reher and Laura Zdychnec were both inducted into the Elder Law Section Hall of Fame at the annual 2019 Elder Law Institute held on October 10-11, 2019. This award is a special honor extended by the Elder Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association to elder law attorneys whose cumulative efforts have had a positive impact on the elderly, the practice of elder law, and its laws and policies. We feel honored to have two members of our firm recognized this year.
Congratulations to Laura Zdychnec, Laurie Hanson, Cathryn Reher and Mary Frances Price for their 2019 recognition as Super Lawyers! Super Lawyer selections are made using a rigorous multi-phased process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area. Only the top 5 percent of attorneys in Minnesota are included in the annual Super Lawyers list. We are honored to receive this recognition from our peers.
Laura, Laurie and Cathryn are also listed among The Top Women Attorneys in Minnesota within the April, 2019 issue of MplsStPaul Magazine.
In addition, Laura Zdychnec was named in the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Minnesota.
Group/Public Speaking
Knowledge is power!
We believe the best way to prepare for the future is to be equipped with information today. At Long, Reher, Hanson & Price we’d like to come speak to your group or organization about Elder Care issues you face now or may encounter in the future.
Contact us for more information.
In the News
Attorney Laurie Hanson added to the 2019-2020 Special Needs Alliance Board of Directors.
Attorney Mary Frances Price appears in KARE 11’s story, “Making the best care decisions for aging parents.”
Attorney Cathryn Reher appears on KARE 11’s “Sandwich Generation” in a segment on elder law.
Attorney Laurie Hanson featured in an August 2017 Super Lawyers magazine article titled “House of Hanson.”
Attorney Laurie Hanson provides source expertise for special needs planning article written by RBC Wealth Management.
Attorney Laura Zdychnec quoted in Star Tribune article, “The Real Financial Costs of Caregiving.”
Attorney Mary Frances Price quoted in an article by The Mighty, “Medicaid Is Keeping People With Disabilities From Getting Married.”
Long, Reher, Hanson & Price Attorneys
The Minneapolis Elder Law Attorneys and staff at Long, Reher, Hanson & Price are dedicated to serving our clients in the area of Elder Law. Our lawyers are incredibly skilled in their area of expertise, with years of experience in Elder Law.