40 THE QUEENS COURIER • MAY 27, 2021 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
2021 ELDER LAW UPDATES
By Donna Furey, Esq.
New Power of Attorney Law
A new Power of Attorney law will become effective in New York on June 13, 2021. A Power of Attorney allows you to
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
unable to do so yourself. A property drafted and executed Power of Attorney is extremely important because it will
preserve your planning options in an emergency.
The changes in the law are extensive, therefore, I will only highlight a few changes. The wording in the document no
longer needs to be “exactly” as it appears in the law but must “substantially conform” to the law. The statutory gift rider
has been eliminated but there must be two witnesses. Someone else can sign the Power of Attorney at your direction.
Financial institutions and businesses cannot refuse a Power of Attorney without reasonable cause and the law sets forth
a procedure to honor or reject the document.
FEMA to Pay for Funerals for COVID-19 Related Deaths after 1/20/2020
FEMA is now accepting applications to reimburse families up to $9,000.00 for each funeral. You must call FEMA to start
the application process at 844-684-6333, TTY 800-462-7585. Proof of death and payment of funeral required. FEMA
website: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq#apply.
Delayed Implementation of New Penalty Period for Community Medicaid
Starting October 1, 2020, a 30-month (or 2.5 year) “look back” penalty period was implemented for people applying for
Community Medicaid in New York which provides health care aides in the home and other services. This means that
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
impose a penalty for any gifts and similar transfers made during that period.
The Federal Public Health Emergency Declaration has extended all COVID easements granted to Medicaid applicants
and recipients during the pandemic.
CONSEQUENTLY, THE 30-MONTH “LOOK BACK” PENALTY PERIOD WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL THE
FEDERAL PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY DECLARATION HAS ENDED WHICH IS UNKNOWN AS THIS TIME BUT
PROJECTED TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON JANUARY 1, 2022.
/faq#apply
/WWW.QNS.COM
/faq#apply
