Crucial Elder Law Numbers for 2009
The new numbers for 2009 for Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and other figures that are of interest to the elderly and their families have been released. In an attempt not to overwhelm everyone, we will publish the updated numbers in two separate newsletters. This is Part I and will outline Medicaid, Annual Gift Tax Exclusion and Long Term Care Premium Deductibility. Next week, in Part II, we will discuss Medicare and Social Security benefits.
Medicaid Spousal Impoverishment Figures for 2009
In 2009, the spouse of a Medicaid recipient living in a nursing home (called the “community spouse”) may keep as much as $109,560 without jeopardizing the Medicaid eligibility of the spouse who is receiving long-term care. Called the “community spouse resource allowance,” this is the most that a state may allow a community spouse to retain without a hearing or a court order. While some states set a lower maximum, the least that a state may allow a community spouse to retain in 2009 will be $21,912.
Meanwhile, the maximum monthly maintenance needs allowance for 2009 will be $2,739. This is the most in monthly income that a community spouse is allowed to have if her own income is not enough to live on and she must take some or all of the institutionalized spouse’s income. The minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance of $1,750 took effect July 1, 2008 and will not rise until July 1, 2009. The new figures are effective January 1, 2009.
Annual Gift Tax Exclusion Rises to $13,000
The annual gift tax exclusion will increase from $12,000 to $13,000 effective January 1, 2009, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced. The gift tax exclusion is the amount the IRS allows a taxpayer to gift to another individual without reporting the gift.
Long-Term Care Premium Deductibility Limits for 2009
The Internal Revenue Service has announced the 2009 limitations on the deductibility of long-term care insurance premiums from taxes. Any premium amounts above these limits are not considered to be a medical expense.
The following attained ages reached before the close of the taxable year would yield this maximum deduction:
40 or less – $320
More than 40 but not more than 50 – $600
More than 50 but not more than 60 – $1,190
More than 60 but not more than 70 – $3,180
More than 70 – $3,980
Benefits from per diem or indemnity policies, which pay a predetermined amount each day, are not included in income except amounts that exceed the beneficiary’s total qualified long-term care expenses or $280 per day (for 2009), whichever is greater.
In honor of Veterans Day, we’d like to share this trivia: Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11th. It is celebrated on November 11th because major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.