Flushing House Hosts Elder Law Seminars

Are you a senior citizen stuck on a financial roller coaster due to the Medicare Part D "doughnut hole"? Did you know the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act makes it more difficult for seniors and the disabled to obtain Medicaid benefits? In light of these setbacks, have you contacted an attorney and made plans to protect your assets and save estate taxes? Hear answers from experts at free Elder Law seminars hosted by Flushing House, a non-profit, independent living retirement residence established in 1974.

•Dina Wizmur, deputy general counsel of the Medicare Rights Center, New York City, will review how recent changes in the law have impacted senior programs, benefits, and rights. She will give an overview of Medicare Part D, the "doughnut hole", the impact on prescription drug costs, and other important issues, at our first seminar on Saturday, May 31.

•Ronald Fatoullah, Esq., noted elder law attorney, will show how Medicaid provisions of the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act severely limit benefits for seniors and the disabled, at our second seminar on Saturday, June 7. There's a new five-year look-back period on asset transfers, and new home equity provisions disqualify many seniors from getting benefits. He will cover new strategies to preserve assets in light of this law.

•Ann Margaret Carrozza, Esq., New York state assemblymember and elder law attorney, will discuss how recent policy changes have impacted older adults, and why they should seek help with elder law and estate planning to protect their rights and preserve assets. She will present our third seminar on Saturday, June 14.

Admission is free. Handouts and refreshments will be available. All three seminars are from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Flushing House dining hall, 38-20 Bowne St., Flushing. For more information and to RSVP, call Robert Salant, Flushing House director of community relations, at 347-532-3025 or 718-762-3198, or email rsalant@uam.org., www.flushinghouse.com.