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A Roundup of Key Elder Law Numbers for 2009

By dvanar

Below is compilation of Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and other figures for 2009 that are of interest to the elderly, the disabled and their families.
Source: ElderLawAnswers.com

Medicaid Spousal Impoverishment Figures for 2009 - effective January 1, 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 .

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.

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 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.

Attained age before the close of the taxable year                    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.

Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Copayments for 2009

Basic Part B premium: $96.40/month (unchanged)
Part B deductible: $135 (unchanged)
Part A deductible: $1,068 (was $1,024)
Co-payment for hospital stay days 61-90: $267/day (was $256)
Co-payment for hospital stay days 91 and beyond: $534/day (was $512)
Skilled nursing facility co-payment, days 21-100: $133.50/day (was $128)

Social Security Benefit Changes for 2009

Cost of Living Increase: 5.8 percent
Estimated Average Monthly Social Security Benefit Payable in January 2009: $1,153
Maximum Taxable Earnings: $106,800
Maximum Social Security Benefit: $2,323/mo.

Retirement Earnings Test Exempt Amounts

Under full retirement age: $14,160/yr.
The year an individual reaches full retirement age: $37,680/yr.

SSI Federal Payment Standard

Individual: $674/mo.
Couple: $1,011/mo.

NJ SSI State Supplement

$31.25/mo.

For a complete list of the 2009 Social Security changes, go to: http://ssa.gov/pressoffice/factsheets/colafacts2009.htm

Full post as published by Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli Blog on December 23, 2008 (boomark / email).