The unfortunate reality is that Medicaid fraud and abuse exist and they cost billions of dollars each year in diverted funds that should have been used for legitimate health care services. Because of the fraud and abuse, the cost of Medicaid is unnecessarily increased, as is the risk of harm to patients who are unwittingly exposed to unnecessary medical procedures. However, with proper Overland Park Medicaid planning, you can avoid many of the transactions that appear to be fraudulent.What are … [Read more...]
Trust Attorneys Explain the Basics of Trust Administration
Although a trust is a very important estate planning technique because of its usefulness in reducing or eliminating taxes and avoiding probate, administering a trust can be a challenge. Nevertheless, the benefits of a trust cannot be overlooked. Understanding the basics of trust administration can be helpful if you are ever called upon to serve as a trustee. Let our trust attorneys explain the basics.What is the legal definition of a trust?A trust is basically a fiduciary agreement between … [Read more...]
Local Business Owner Assesses Damage After Flooding
The recent flash flooding in Kansas City in late July resulted in swelled creeks and water damage to many buildings in south Kansas City. Luckily there were no serious injuries reported. However, one local business owner returned to assess the damage to her business. This reminds us of the need for asset protection, whether you are a business owner or an individual.Missouri flash flooding leads to water rescuesBoth Cass County and Jackson County in Missouri were under flash flood warnings in … [Read more...]
Two Reasons You Need an Estate Plan
Estate planning is one way to prepare yourself and your family for death and even for the possibility of incapacity during your lifetime. There are several different options when it comes to estate planning tools. Which ones are best for you will depend on your unique goals for the future. Our Overland Park estate planning attorneys can help.No. 1: Being prepared for possible incapacityThe legal definition of incapacity is the ability to comprehend the consequences of certain legal … [Read more...]
Kansas City Estate Planning Attorneys Can Help with Digital Assets
As our Kansas City estate planning attorneys can tell you, a personalized estate plan is more important these days. One reason is the more recent need for digital estate planning. What exactly is that? Digital assets are essentially any asset that is based on computers or involves the internet. For example, email accounts, social media accounts, and online businesses are considered digital assets. So, when you are working on your estate plan be sure not to overlook these unique … [Read more...]
If I’m Healthy, Why Do I Need a Medicaid Plan?
Simply because you do not have any apparent health problems right now does not mean long-term health care could not be a necessity in the future. In truth, no one can really predict the need for Medicaid, so it is a good idea to discuss the potential need with one of our Kansas City Medicaid lawyers.You cannot predict an unforeseen illnessIt is not uncommon for people to find themselves unexpectedly sick or injured. Those illnesses or injuries could possibly result in a need for long-term … [Read more...]
How to Plan for MO HealthNet, Missouri’s Medicaid System
The purpose of the MO HealthNet (Medicaid) program is to provide medical services to individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements. Those requirements have been established by the Family Support Division (FSD). The goals of the MO HealthNet program are “to promote good health, to prevent illness and premature death, to correct or limit disability, to treat illness, and to provide rehabilitation to persons with disabilities.”What is Medicaid in general?Medicaid is a medical … [Read more...]
Living Trusts: The Good, the Bad, and the Useful
Most people use living trusts as part of their estate planning in order to avoid probate. That is easy to understand, as the probate process can be a lengthy and costly court proceeding. Before deciding whether you need to create a living trust, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of having a living trust. Remember, there are many other options if you are looking to avoid probate. Speak to a Kansas City living trust attorney if you have questions.What is a Living … [Read more...]
Tragic Road Rage Incident Reminds Us of the Need for Kansas City Estate Planning
Heavy traffic in the Kansas City metro area has led to far too many road rage incidents. According to a 2014 study, 8 out of every 10 drivers in the United States showed some form of anger or aggression on the roadway, at least once. For example, nearly 25 percent of drivers admit to intentionally blocking another driver from changing lanes. Another 12 percent say they have cut off another driver in a fit of anger. These terrible events remind us that the unexpected can happen, so we need to be … [Read more...]
Kansas City Doctor in Prison for Health Care Fraud
Medicaid fraud and abuse costs billions of dollars every year in diverted funds that should have been used for legitimate health care services. Because of the fraud and abuse, the cost of Medicaid is higher, as is the risk of harm to patients who are unwittingly exposed to unnecessary medical procedures. The story of a Kansas City doctor sent to prison for health care fraud reminds us to be vigilant when it comes Medicaid fraud.Former doctor, Wayne Williamson, imprisoned for the second timeA … [Read more...]
