Attorneys:
Janna Dutton, Kathryn Casey,
Helen Mesoloras, Amy Gjesdahl,
Melissa Kallio, Samantha Zullo

Client Coordinator:
Erin Vogt, LCSW, CMC

Staff:
Vicky Fleming, Karina Hernandez,
Monica Westlake

Appointments Are Available In:
Arlington Heights, Chicago, Naperville, Skokie, Westchester, Illinois 
and via phone and video conferencing. 

Phone Number for All Locations:
312-899-0950
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elder law foundation
October 2020
medicare card
Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15- December 7, 2020

What’s the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year—items such as cost, coverage, and which providers and pharmacies are in network. During this time people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs.

Learn more at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-Medicare (633-4227).

Don't Forget - if you will be calling on behalf of another person, you need to complete and return the form -Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information.
Special Needs Planning

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys established October as Special Needs Law Month. It is an effort to better assist people who have a disability and their loved ones understand their unique legal planning needs, opportunities, and available resources.

Helpful Resources to Review-


Please contact Erin Vogt for information how we can assist you or someone you care about.
Upcoming Programs Via Webinar or Telephone

"Legal Care for Yourself or a Loved One Who Has Special Needs" on October 28, 2020
 “Eldercare Resources; A Discussion with a Geriatric Social Worker and Certified Case Manager" on November 17, 2020
"Pallative Care: Its About Living" on November 18, 2020
"Planning for An Aging Loved One (or Yourself): a Discussion with an Elder Law Attorney" on November 19, 2020

Did You Know?

Not only do our attorneys offer educational programs and write articles for community members and numerous professionals, they do the same for other attorneys.

This month, Helen Mesoloras and Kathryn Casey are presenting "The SECURE Act and Planning with Retirement Benefits" in conjunction with the Elder Law Short Course through the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE).

In addition, Kathryn and Janna Dutton contributed a chapter concerning Self-Settled OBRA Trusts and Helen contributed a chapter concerning Medicaid Issues for IICLE “Special Needs Trusts" book, 2020 edition.
Melissa Kallio is Chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Chicago Bar Association and is a requested presenter to other organizations for attorneys.
Long-Term Care Residents' Rights Month

This is a time to focus on and celebrate the dignity, respect, and value of each individual long-term care resident.  Residents’ Rights are guaranteed by the Federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law. The law requires nursing homes to “promote and protect the rights of each resident” and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity and self-determination. Read more. Learn about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program in Illinois.
Monica Westlake

Monica serves as our administrative assistant and receptionist. When when she isnt assisting our clients and attorneys, she enjoys being with friends, exploring Chicago, photography. Monica feels the most important innovation in her lifetime is the revolution of smart phones.