The Karp Law Firm hosted its Fifth Annual Social Worker Breakfast and Workshop in June. Over 100 social workers, case managers and business office managers attended the three free events, offered as a public service to the local social work community. We brought attendees up to date on the importance of coordinating Veterans benefits and Medicaid benefits; the new and confusing Medicaid look-back periods, and how they impact on patients and families; and the current status of the Florida Medicaid diversion program.

Elayne Forgie of ElderCare at Home was our special guest speaker, explaining how professionals can distinguish between mild cognitive impairment and mental illness. This is an important distinction in terms of how patients are treated, but also in terms of funding that is available to such individuals based on their primary diagnosis. Attendees were provided with copies of the firm’s booklets, “Guide to Medicaid Benefits for Long Term Nursing Care Costs” and “Guide to Veterans Benefits for Long-term Care Expenses.” Our warmest thanks to Elayne Forgie who spoke at all three events, and to our lovely hosts who provided us with a comfortable place to meet and greet as well as delicious breakfasts: Homewood Residence in Delray Beach; Prosperity Oaks in Palm Beach Gardens; and Lynmoore in Fort Pierce.

Attorney Karp taking questions from social workers at the breakfast held at Homewood Residence, Delray Beach

Attorney Adele Harris explains the complicated rules for Medicaid gifting