The following are the important inflation-adjusted numbers for 2009 for practitioners having an elder law practice:

• Medicaid Spousal Impoverishment Figures (effective Jan. 1, 2009)
  • Minimum Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA): $21,912
  • Maximum CSRA:  $109,560
  • Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA): $1,750 (eff. Jul. 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009); $1,821.25 (eff. July 1, 2009)

  Note: The MMNA is set at 150 percent of the monthly poverty guideline for a couple, which is $1,214.17 (lower 48 states).

Long-Term Care Premium Deductibility Limits

Long-Term Care Premium Deductibility Limits	Maximum Deduction for 2008	Maximum Deduction for 2009	Maximum Deduction for 2010
40 or less	$310	$320	$330
More than 40 but not more than 50	$580	$600	$680
More than 50 but not more than 60	$1,150	$1,190	$1,230
More than 60 but not more than 70	$3,080	$3,180	$3,290
More than 70	$3,850	$3,980	$4,110

 

• Social Security Numbers
  • Elderly and disabled recipients will get a 5.8 percent cost of living increase in payments in 2009.  As a result, the average monthly payment for the typical beneficiary will increase by $63 to $1,142 for individuals and to $1,863 for couples.
  • Maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security taxation is $106,800 for 2009.
  • Monthly federal Supplemental Security Income payment standard will be $674 for an individual and $1,011 for a couple.