As we begin a new year, we would like to update you on our final meetings of 2014 and our first meeting of 2015, as well as keep you informed about the exciting speakers we have lined up until the summer break.
Our November luncheon speaker was Diane Daniels, owner of Senior Advocates for Medicare & Medicaid, LLC, who addressed issues concerning Medicare coverage. We had a good turnout, including financial advisors and non-elder law attorneys. We all walked away with a deep appreciation for Diane’s expertise and learned tips regarding the intricacies of Medicare coverage.
Our December 12 speaker was Laura Penley, district long-term care ombudsman, who provided us with an overview of nursing home residents’ rights and armed us with knowledge and resources to carry out zealous advocacy on behalf of our clients.
On February 5, Travis Finchum, a co-trustee of Guardian Pooled Trust, will instruct us on SSI rules and lesser-known Medicaid programs such as QMB, SLMB, QI1, and Medically Needy. Travis also will answer questions regarding special-needs trusts.
On March 13, April Hill and Javier Centonzio will give us an insider’s overview of the VA health care system, as well as VA Pension and Aid and Attendance, service-connected compensation, and other VA benefits. April Hill, of Hill Law Group, is a frequent lecturer on these topics, and Javier Centonzio, also of Hill Law Group, is a former clerk for the Federal Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims.
On April 23, Tae Kelley Bronner, a renowned expert on the subject of homestead, will be the speaker for a joint luncheon between our section and the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section and provide us with a review of the relevant law regarding the constitutional homestead exemption from claims of creditors and the impact of trusts on the availability of that exemption.
Each luncheon qualifies for one hour of CLE credit and provides the opportunity to visit and network with elder law attorneys and other professionals. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., with luncheons beginning at noon. All luncheons are held in the Chester H. Ferguson Law Center.
So please join us at our meetings, and as always, if you have suggestions or ideas or would like to submit an article for publication in the Hillsborough County Bar Lawyer magazine, please contact Elizabeth P. Allen ― eallen@gibblaw.com or (813) 877-9222 ― or Debra L. Dandar ― Debra.Dandar@TampaBayElderLawCenter.com or (813) 282-3390.
We look forward to seeing you and wish each of you a very happy, healthy, and successful 2015!
