With New York’s 2025-2026 state budget in the works, Cona Elder Law is calling on community members to take action in support of older adults by joining its letter-writing campaign to urge Governor Hochul and state legislators to fully fund Medicaid and increase reimbursement rates for nursing homes by 20% on Thursday, March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cona Elder Law, 225 Broadhollow Road, Suite 200, Melville.
Medicaid funds the care of most long-term nursing home residents in New York. However, nursing homes are currently reimbursed at only 50% of the actual cost of care, leading to staffing shortages, safety concerns, facility closures, overcrowding, and inadequate care for elderly and vulnerable residents. With a $1.6 billion funding gap, nursing homes across the state are struggling to provide the quality care that our loved ones deserve.
“Advocacy makes a difference. Elected officials rely on constituent feedback when making budget decisions,” said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner, Cona Elder Law. “Direct outreach is the most effective way to influence policy and protect our aging population.”
Cona Elder Law is a leading elder law firm dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of older adults. The firm advocates for seniors and their families through legal services, policy initiatives, and community engagement.
'Lasting Love' pre-Valentine's dinner 2025. Photo courtesy of Cona Elder Law
'Lasting Love' pre-Valentine's dinner 2025. Photo courtesy of Cona Elder Law
'Lasting Love' pre-Valentine's dinner 2025. Photo courtesy of Cona Elder Law
'Lasting Love' pre-Valentine's dinner 2025. Photo courtesy of Cona Elder Law
'Lasting Love' pre-Valentine's dinner 2025. Photo courtesy of Cona Elder Law
'Lasting Love' pre-Valentine's dinner 2025. Photo courtesy of Cona Elder Law
'Lasting Love' pre-Valentine's dinner 2025. Photo courtesy of Cona Elder Law
'Lasting Love' pre-Valentine's dinner 2025. Photo courtesy of Cona Elder Law
Third Annual Event Hosted by Cona Elder Law honors couples and their secrets to relationship success
Long Island couples who have been married 50 years or more gathered for a pre-Valentine’s celebration at the 3rd Annual “Lasting Love” Valentine’s Dinner on Feb. 11 to toast their successful relationships.
“This room is full of beautiful people who got it right,” said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law. “There are a lot of things older adults can teach us, including the secrets of staying together. Lessons of patience, of compromise. All those things that it takes to stay together for so long.”
Held at Verona Ristorante in Farmingdale, each participating couple feasted on a complimentary traditional Italian dinner including appetizers, dinner and dessert plus a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Couples also had the opportunity to share their stories about how they met and how they have been successful in their marriages and offer advice to younger couples on their own path to relationship success.
“We got married very young and we grew up together,” said Shelley Rudes of Woodbury. She and her husband Jonathan have been together for 51 years. “We never go to bed angry.”
“I think it takes a lot of patience and a sense of humor,” said Diane Powell, of Roslyn. She and her husband Tom have been married 52 years. “You need to keep your relationships with friends and family and be ready to face things you don’t expect. You have to stick together in good times and bad.”
The event was sponsored by Melville-based Cona Elder Law, which concentrates in the areas of elder law, estate planning, estate administration and litigation, and health care law. Cona Elder Law takes a holistic approach to elder law, providing support and resources for older adults and caregivers, and maintains long-term, partnering relationships with clients to provide the best solutions for multiple generations.
Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., a senior partner at Cona Elder Law (center), stands with representatives from Family Service League and The Elijah Foundation at the 3rd Annual Pie Donation event. Photo courtesy of Cona Elder Law
Cona Elder Law and its charitable foundation, Senior Dreams Come True™, hosted its 3rd Annual Pie Donation on Dec. 20, delivering 50 pies, baked by The ELIJA Foundation, and distributed to clients at the Family Service League (FSL) in Huntington just in time for the holidays.
The event brought together two non-profit organizations to benefit a third at a time of year when many people report both food insecurity and economic challenges in providing the most basic holiday meal. This is the first year the pies were given out to recipients in person. In previous years, pies were driven and dropped off at FSL locations across Long Island.
“We are deeply grateful to Cona Elder Law for recognizing that something as simple as a holiday pie, which many of us take for granted, can mean the world to someone in need,” said Lisa Jamison, FSL Division Director.
Cona Elder Law’s charitable foundation, Senior Dreams Come True™, has been granting wishes to low-income seniors since 2007, helping with basic needs and fulfilling lifelong dreams. Through this event, Cona Elder Law and Senior Dreams Come True™ aim to bring warmth and joy to low-income seniors during the holiday season, while raising awareness about the critical needs of this often-overlooked population. This initiative is part of Cona Elder Law’s broader mission to advocate for and support seniors on Long Island.
“The not-for-profit communities on long island are really wonderful, but they can’t thrive without one another,” said Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., a senior partner at Cona Elder Law. “To have one non-profit help another and help another is really a beautiful thing. It makes me feel like it’s the simple things that really help people and go a long way.”
Senior Dreams Come True™, a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by Cona Elder Law, has granted dozens of wishes to low-income seniors across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Eligibility for the program is limited to Long Islanders aged 65 and over with a household income of $1,800 or less per month (individual) or $2,500 or less per month (couple). Past wishes grated include:
Plane fare to reunite families.
Home repairs and wheelchair accessibility modifications.
Dental and medical treatments not covered by insurance.
Prescription drug coverage and hearing aids.
Major household appliances, A/C and heating units.
Last year, Cona Elder Law partnered with Family Service League to launch its “Adopt a Senior” initiative, delivering a new refrigerator to an East End senior.
Based in Melville, Cona Elder Law concentrates in the areas of elder law, estate planning, estate administration and litigation, and health care law. Cona Elder Law takes a holistic approach to elder law, providing support and resources for older adults and caregivers, and maintains long-term, partnering relationships with clients to provide the best solutions for multiple generations.
From left, Melissa Negrin-Wiener of Cona Elder Law with contest winners Harry Li, Marjorie Callahan, and Maggie Deegan. Photo courtesy of Cona Elder Law
Cona Elder Law, an estate planning firm based in Melville, recently held its 15th annual “These Colors Don’t Run” art contest at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook, featuring work created by elementary, middle, and high school students from nearby schools emphasizing the sacrifices and dedication of our veterans.
The patriotic event brought together veterans, families, and the local community to celebrate creativity and honor the sacrifices of those who served.
From left, Jonathan Spier (LISVH), Michelle Cheslak (LISVH), Melissa Negrin-Wiener (Cona Elder Law), Julie Allegretti (Cona Elder Law), Christina Pecoraro (Cona Elder Law), and Janet Russell (Cona Elder Law)
“We are so happy to work with the State Veterans Home team, who take such wonderful care of their residents,” said Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Senior Partner at Cona Elder Law. “As an elder law attorney, it is a place where I feel I can refer my clients for placement and be one-hundred percent confident that they will receive the care they need.”
Throughout the afternoon, attendees, staff and residents had the opportunity to view the artwork, meet the winners of the art contest, and listen to a live band. The residents enjoyed the visit and entertainment.
The winning students are Maggie Deegan,an 11th grader at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn; Marjorie Callahan, a 5th grader at RJO Intermediate School in Kings Park; and Harry Li, a 3rd grader at W.S. Mount Elementary School in Stony Brook.
“Cona Elder Law has a long-standing commitment to serving the needs of veterans, the disabled, and the elderly in our community,” said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law. “Through initiatives like today’s art contest, our firm strives to enhance the quality of life for those who have served while fostering multigenerational connection and community.”
“We are the land of the free because of the brave men and women who have worn the uniform. They made the United States of America the greatest country in the world to live in, and for that, we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid,” said Jonathan Spier, Deputy Director of the Long Island State Veterans Home.
“I applaud Cona Elder Law for their ongoing efforts to ensure our children understand, appreciate, and honor the sacrifices that veterans have made. Through initiatives like the ‘These Colors Don’t Run’ Art Contest, they are helping the next generation not only remember, but truly appreciate the profound impact of our nation’s heroes.”
From left, Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO, Gurwin Healthcare System; Arlene Markarian, Safe Observant Seniors Program Coordinator & Nassau County Elder Abuse Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator, FCA—Family & Children’s Association; Megan Shergill, Vice President of CDPAP Services, Community Care; Laura LaFauci, LI Director of Community Outreach, Amber Court Communities; Julie Wexler MPA, Director of Business Development, The Bristal Assisted Living; Kerri Winans Kaley, Director of Business Development, Encore Luxury Living; Jennifer B. Cona, Esq. Managing Partner Cona Elder Law PLLC.
From left, Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., senior partner, Cona Elder Law; Mr. David Marshall; Jennifer B. Cona, Esq. Managing Partner Cona Elder Law PLLC.
More than 200 guests and 40 elder care industry sponsors and exhibitors gathered for the annual Cona Elder Law Caregiver Conference at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington in Melville on May 8 to discuss “The Loneliness Epidemic: Tackling Isolation, Care Needs & Finances In Senior Living,”
This year’s conference focused on social senior living options and explore key differences between assisted living, independent living, continuing care retirement communities, the ALP program and the CDPAP program, allowing different options for family and financial support.
“Loneliness has been declared a public health epidemic by the US Surgeon General because it reportedly leads to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and depression,” said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law, located in Melville. “The majority of adults aged 65 and older report feeling lonely. For this already vulnerable population, it is critical that we consider alternatives to aging-in-place.”
Topics also included financing senior living, including asset protection planning, Medicaid planning and eligibility, and provide practical tips for determining the best way to finance needed care and services.
Presenting Sponsors Included: Cona Elder Law, Gurwin Healthcare Systems, Amber Court Assisted Living, The Bristal Assisted Living, Encore Luxury Living, Community Care Home Health Services, and Family & Children’s Association.
Conference Sponsors included: SeniorCare Companions, Inc., Life’s WORC, Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center, Heritage Harbor Financial Associates, Jerusalem Memorial Chapels, Senior Health Plan Specialists Inc., Handled Real Estate, Centerlight Healthcare, Alzheimer’s Association, and M&T Bank.
Cona Elder Law also presented its annual Caregiver of the Year award at the conference to David Marshall, of Baldwin, a dedicated husband who has helped and supported his wife of 75 years as she lives with dementia. A WWII veteran, David was recognized for his infinite dedication and service to his wife as a model caregiver.
Photo 2: Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., senior partner, Cona Elder Law; Mr. David Marshall; Jennifer B. Cona, Esq. Managing Partner Cona Elder Law PLLC.
ABOUT CONA ELDER LAW:
Cona Elder Law is an award-winning law firm concentrating in the areas of elder law, estate planning, estate administration and litigation, and health care law. Cona Elder Law takes a holistic approach to elder law, providing support and resources for older adults and caregivers. The firm has been consistently ranked the #1 Elder Law Firm by various publications and industry awards. For additional information, visit www.conaelderlaw.com.
Cona Elder Law has announced Leigh-Anne Amore and Stephanie Gopen have joined the firm as Associate Attorneys in the Melville office.
Ms. Amore is admitted to the bar in New York and New Jersey and was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2022. She received her law degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in 2011 and her undergraduate degree from State University of New York at Albany. She previously was an associate at Craco & Ellsworth LLP, Russo Law Group, P.C. and Fratello & Fox, P.C. She resides in Port Jefferson.
Ms. Gopen is also licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey. She received her law degree in 2013 from New York Law Schooland her master’s degree in Taxation from New York Law School in 2020 and is a graduate of Binghamton University. Ms. Gopen previously was an associate at Cooperman Lester Miller Carus. and she resides in East Meadow.
“Leigh-Anne and Stephanie add to our already strong team of attorneys in trusts and estates. They bring valuable experience in estate and tax planning, probate and estate administration and in the areas of guardianship proceedings in the Surrogate’s Court as well as the Supreme Court. We are thrilled to welcome them to Cona Elder Law,” said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner.
Cona Elder Law, the Melville-based firm focused on elder law, estate planning, estate administration, special needs and health care law, has announced the opening of its new office in Port Jefferson at 41 North Country Road, across from Mather Hospital.
Jennifer B. Cona, Esq.
“With a 20-plus year history in Melville, we are excited to bring our elder law and estate planning firm to Port Jefferson. We want to be available and accessible to our clients, including those in East Setauket, Miller Place, Mount Sinai, Rocky Point, and Stony Brook, meeting them closer to their homes and businesses,” said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law.
The office will be led by Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Senior Partner at the firm, who concentrates in elder law, Medicaid benefits, estate planning, government benefits eligibility, asset protection and special needs planning.
“As someone who was raised in Smithtown, I am excited to serve my neighbors in our new Port Jefferson office. The attorneys of Cona Elder Law are involved with local organizations and will contribute to the community through educational programs and support of nonprofit groups, as we already do in Melville,” said Negrin-Wiener.
In addition to its main Melville office, Cona Elder Law has an office in midtown Manhattan. For more information, visit www.conaelderlaw.com.
All trusts are not created equally; there are many different types of trusts used for a variety of purposes, such as asset protection planning, financial management, probate avoidance and tax planning. Two common types of trusts in estate and asset protection planning are revocable and irrevocable trusts.
A revocable trust is a trust where you, the trust creator, reserve the right to revoke or change the trust at any time. If properly structured and funded, a revocable trust can be helpful in avoiding probate and allowing for easier management of assets in the event of incapacity. If you own homes in more than one state, it may make sense to place your out-of-state property in a revocable trust to avoid the need for probate in two states. Beware, however, that a revocable trust offers no asset protection. For Medicaid purposes, all of the assets in a revocable trust are considered available and may have to be spent down on the costs of care.
The better option for most older adults is an irrevocable trust. This type of trust cannot be revoked or changed by you alone, but can be with the consent of the trust beneficiaries. The benefit of making a trust irrevocable is that it can be structured as a Medicaid asset protection trust.
An irrevocable trust set up for asset protection purposes can hold almost any type of asset, including your home, bank accounts, and investments. You cannot have access to the principal of the trust, but you can retain the right to receive the income (dividends and interest). After five years have passed, the assets held in the trust are protected with respect to Medicaid. You would not have to spend down those assets on the cost of care; they are protected and will be inherited by your beneficiaries.
By properly planning ahead, your assets can be maintained for quality-of-life items and ultimately left to your heirs. But creating the trust is only the first step. The trust also must be funded, meaning assets must be transferred or re-titled into the name of the trust. For example, bank and brokerage accounts need to be retitled in the name of the trust. When transferring real property to a trust, you will need to sign a new deed naming the trust as the owner of the property.
For many families in the metro NY area, their most valuable asset is their home. As such, we often transfer title to the home to the irrevocable asset protection trust in order to protect its value. You can still sell your home, purchase a new property, keep your real estate tax exemptions, and no one can sell your house without your consent. Other assets can be placed in a trust for asset protection purposes as well, such as investment accounts, bank accounts, mutual funds, and life insurance.
With the escalating cost of healthcare, it is more important than ever for older adults to protect the assets they worked their whole lives to save from a sudden healthcare crisis. An irrevocable trust is an important tool in that asset protection plan.
Be sure your Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney understands the extent of your assets and listens carefully to your concerns and goals so that together you can create a customized trust, estate and elder law plan.
Jennifer B. Cona, Esq. is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law located in Melville and Port Jefferson. The law firm concentrates in asset protection, estate planning, Medicaid benefits, probate and special needs planning. For information, visit www.conaelderlaw.com.
