Kevin Keyho Associate Attorney Attorney Kevin Keyho has a general law practice in the areas of criminal defense, family law and traffic cases. Prior to entering private practice, he spent nine years as a Special Agent for the U.S. Department of Defense. Attorney Keyho also spent three years as Assistant Counsel for the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General. He has also taught as an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Legal Education at Duquesne University School of Law. Most recently he was an Institutional Trust Officer for a major bank. Attorney Keyho has been interviewed by television network news affiliates and the print media in and around the Pittsburgh area. He has appeared on “Good Morning America” and “Fox Wire with Rita Cosby.” Attorney Kevin Keyho attended the University of Pittsburgh where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a Masters of Public and International Affairs specializing in International Security Studies. He received his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Commonwealth of Pennsylvania PA Federal District Court, Western District United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit United States Supreme Court JD, Duquesne Univsersity School of Law MA, BA, University of Pittsburgh AREAS OF PRACTICE Criminal Defense, Family Law, Traffic

800 555-0100 Thank You Thank you for your message. We will get in touch with you shortly ABOUT THE FIRM A Pennsylvania firm families have trusted for decades Fiffik Law Group has counseled Pennsylvania families and businesses on estate, elder-law, and related matters for more than 30 years. Michael E. Fiffik, Esq. Managing Partner · Fiffik Law Group, PC Michael leads Fiffik Law Group as its Managing Partner, having built it into a full-service Pennsylvania firm serving families and businesses statewide. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1992 (J.D., University of Pittsburgh), he brings more than three decades of experience guiding clients through estate, business, and real-estate matters. Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, 2011–2024 AV Preeminent (Martindale-Hubbell) Avvo 9.5 PA & Allegheny County Bar Fiffik Law Group’s attorneys have been featured in The New York Times, CNN, CNBC , Kiplinger, and U.S. News. Your workshop presenter : Ben Shotten, the firm’s estate planning attorney, focuses on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate avoidance, and elder law — and regularly leads these educational workshops in plain English. Fiffik Law Group, PC 150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite F-200, Radnor, PA 19087 · [[(800) 555-0100]] · Serving Bucks & Montgomery counties Attorney Advertising. This page is an advertisement for legal services by Fiffik Law Group, PC, responsible attorney Michael E. Fiffik, Esq. (Managing Partner), licensed in Pennsylvania. Presenting attorney: Ben Shotten. The information here is general and educational, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created by attending this workshop or submitting this form. The workshop is complimentary and carries no obligation. [[Insert Pennsylvania bar’s exact required disclaimer/identification wording.]] © 2026 Fiffik Law Group, PC. All rights reserved.

The Start-Up phase of a business journey is vital to the future success of the business. Our experienced business law attorneys assist clients with matters involving planning, key financial decisions, and legal processes. Business Start Up Have you dreamed of being your own boss for many years, but don't know where to start? Do you want to know more about owning a business and find yourself asking questions like: How do I turn my idea into a successful business? What are the different types of business organization structures? What kind of forms and licenses do I need to get started? Where can I find financing and loans? What is a business plan and how do I prepare one? Business Subscription Legal Plans Our subscription plans are designed for entrepreneurs from start-up to millions in annual revenue who are ready to add strategic, guided legal support focused on brand and business development. LEARN MORE LLC Frequently Asked Questions The Basics LLC Formation Process Benefits of an LLC LLCs and Taxes Your LLC Has Been Formed What is an LLC? A limited liability company is a business structure that provides limited protection for its members against most debts or liabilities of the company. What is a member? A member is an owner of the LLC. How do I Pick a Name for my LLC? There are a variety of factors to consider when selecting a name. The Corporations Bureau will not approve your name if it is exactly the same or confusingly similar to an existing registered business. You’ll also want to avoid selecting a name that another business outside of Pennsylvania uses or that is subject to an existing registered Trademark. We suggest conducting a name search with the Corporations Bureau first. You should also do an online search for other businesses with a very similar name. You should also have a url (i.e. website address) for your business in mind. You should search the various website registration providers to see whether your name is available for registration. Some names are so long, they are not easily used for a website address or email address. What’s the Difference Between a Corporation and LLC? Both types of entities have the significant legal advantage of helping to protect assets from creditors and providing an extra layer of protection against legal liability. In general, the creation and management of an LLC is much easier and more flexible than that of a corporation. A corporation is also more expensive to form because you are required to advertise its formation, which typically costs several hundred dollars. There is no advertising requirement for LLCs.

Pennsylvania DUI attorneys at Fiffik Law Group, PC have been eliminating or reducing charges for clients facing DUI charges for the past 30+ years with a high success rate. Our Pennsylvania DUI attorneys are ready to fight for you. DUI Defense Being arrested for drunk driving is an unexpected and often traumatic experience. Individuals charged with or convicted of impaired and intoxicated are often stigmatized and portrayed as irresponsible, dangerous criminals; however, the truth is that the people faced with these charges are often everyday, law-abiding citizens who simply made a mistake. There are more arrests in Pennsylvania for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) than any other single category of crimes, with Pennsylvania among the top 15 states for DUI arrest rate. Many DUI charges are defensible, based on the evidence surrounding your charges and any missteps that may have been made by law enforcement along the way. Let our experienced DUI defense lawyers build a defense and ensure you know what to expect at each step of the legal process. Consequences of DUI FIRST DUI OFFENSE PENALTIES The severity of a First Offense DUI conviction depends on your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level, controlled substances in your system, or your decision to refuse blood or breath testing. The higher your BAC, the higher the penalties. Drugs in your system or a refusal to submit to breath or blood testing place you in the highest tier. Under Pennsylvania law, there are 3 tiers of punishment depending upon your BAC level: BAC between .08 and .099%: Six months probation, no license suspension, no mandatory jail time, no ignition interlock device, a fine of $300, CRN evaluation (drug & alcohol assessment), treatment when ordered by the court, and alcohol highway safety school BAC between .10 and .159%: Prison sentence of between two days and six months, license suspension for 12 months (eligibility to apply for occupational limited license (OLL) after 60 days), fines between $500 and $5,000, CRN evaluation, treatment when ordered by the court, and alcohol highway safety school, no ignition interlock device required BAC of .16% or higher, controlled substance, or refusal to submit to testing: Prison sentence of a minimum of three days to a maximum of six months, license suspension for 12 months (eligibility to apply for an OLL after 60 days), fines between $1,000 and $5,000, treatment when ordered by the court, and alcohol highway safety school, no ignition interlock device required DUI DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSION Aside from the penalties above for a first DUI offense, second and third offenses will result in your license being suspended for one year. This is the most damaging and destructive outcome of receiving a DUI. Losing the ability to drive can have a massive ripple effect on other areas of your life. Most importantly, losing your license can cause you to lose your job. Not being able to drive means it will be very difficult to report to work on time every day. Not being able to report to work often leads to termination. Even if you find another job, it will be just as difficult to get to and from a new job without a license. You might end up unemployed until you get your license reinstated. Some people are lucky enough to get help from friends or family, but it is still nearly impossible to fulfill your obligations without your own means of transportation. And, if you refuse to give breath or blood, you may receive an additional one year drivers license suspension from PennDOT. SECOND DUI OFFENSE PENALTIES Drivers convicted of a second DUI within ten years of a prior DUI face serious criminal and financial consequences. Not only will you face a mandatory term of incarceration, but you are likely to face additional penalties as well. The higher the BAC, the more severe your penalties are likely to be. For example, the amount in fines that you will be ordered to pay if convicted of DUI will vary depending on your BAC level: BAC between .08 and .09%: Minimum of 5 days and maximum of 6 months in jail, $300 to $2,500 in fines, license suspended for 12 months BAC .10 and .159%: Minimum of 30 days and maximum of 6 months in jail, $750 to $5,000 in fines, license suspended for 12 months BAC .16% and above: Minimum of 90 days and maximum of 5 years in jail, $1,500 to $10,000 in fines, license suspended for 18 months Any BAC: Ignition interlock device installed for 1 year, up to 150 hours of community service, alcohol highway safety school, alcohol & drug treatment THIRD DUI OFFENSE PENALTIES If you have been convicted of two prior DUI's in the past 10 years, the next offense could involve a serious conviction. Depending on your BAC level at the time of arrest, you may face consequences that include: BAC between .08 and .09%: 2nd-degree misdemeanor charges, minimum of 10 days and maximum of 2 years in prison, 12-month license suspension, $500 to $5,000 in fines BAC between .10 and .159%: 1st-degree misdemeanor charges, minimum of 1 year and maximum of 5 years in prison, 18-month license suspension, $1,500 to $10,000 in fines BAC .16% and above: 1st-degree misdemeanor charges and penalties similar to above Any BAC: Drug & alcohol treatment, alcohol highway safety school, ignition interlock device installed for at least 1 year Underage DUI A DUI UNDER THE AGE OF 21 LANDS YOU IN THE "HIGH BAC" RATE IN PENNSYLVANIA In Pennsylvania, minors are not allowed to consume any amount of alcohol and drive. Underage driving under the influence of alcohol carries very harsh penalties. Not only are the legal penalties increased, but the effects on car insurance and future employment are also severe. And driver under the age of 21 who is arrested for DUI in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is automatically charged under the state's "high" BAC rate. That means that even if it is the first offense, even if the amount of alcohol is minimal, the punishment is going to be severe. The minimum penalties for high-level impairment include at least two days in prison with a maximum sentence of 6 months behind bars if convicted. There's a minimum fine of $500 and as much as $5,000, as well as a license suspension of 12 months. Required alcohol driving safety classes could also be required. LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF UNDERAGE DUI The long-term consequences of an underage DUI are significant. The cost of auto insurance will increase. On average in 2017, an underage DUI raised car insurance rates by 77%. The financial impact of the violation can linger for three to five years in most states. Depending on the driving history, auto insurance could be denied completely. The impact of the DUI conviction won't be limited to auto insurance - a DUI conviction automatically becomes part of the permanent criminal record. This means that employers, colleges, universities, banks, friends, and even strangers will all be able to see a DUI conviction with a simple background check. If your child has been arrested for underage DUI, it is important to take legal action as soon as possible. Our experienced underage DUI attorneys can help your child fight the charges and reduce the long term consequences of these charges. Chemical Testing - Blood and Breath Tests The police must conduct a breath test within two hours of the initial arrest or the results of the test may be deemed inadmissible in court. An officer will read you the Implied Consent Law, which states that all drivers agree to submit to a breath or blood test if suspected of DUI. However, a suspect still has the right to refuse any chemical testing. Whether you agree to be tested or refuse, the police are almost assuredly going to follow through with the arrest for DUI. If there is a refusal, however, the police will view that as an admission of guilt as an unwillingness to be tested comes across as acceptance of failing the test. Breath refusal still carries its own penalties, including: First Offense: 1-year drivers' license suspension Second Offense: 18-month license suspension Third Offense: 18-month license suspension While those breath refusal penalties are in addition to other DUI penalties, there may be reasons why a test could not be conducted or a breath sample couldn't be validated. The District Attorney is tasked with proving a refusal, so refusal cases are worth fighting because they're defensible cases. Police generally only request blood tests if there is suspicion of drug use based on the smell of marijuana or recovery of narcotics from the vehicle. Despite the inference that police and prosecution will try to draw a verdict from a refusal, many choose to refuse for other reasons that can be explained at trial. All drivers should be aware, however, that their driving privileges will likely be suspended for at least one year for a refusal regardless of the outcome of the criminal matter. Field Sobriety Tests The Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is a battery of three tests performed during a traffic stop in order to determine if a driver is impaired and if probable cause for an arrest is present. According to researchers, officers trained to conduct SFST's correctly identified alcohol-impaired drivers over 90% of the time using the results of SFST's. The three tests that make up the SFST are the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), the walk-and-turn, and the one-leg stand tests. The HGN test is performed to observe whether the driver's eyes involuntarily jerk as a stimulus is moved side to side. Both the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests are "divided attention" tests that are easily performed by most sober drivers. They require a subject to listen and follow instructions while performing simple physical movements. Impaired persons have difficulty with tasks requiring their attention to be divided between simple mental and physical tasks. There are many factors that might render a person unable to successfully complete one or more of the SFST's. For instance, regarding the HGN test, the person asked to consent to such a test might suffering from an eye disease or condition that affects his/her ability to see and consequently confound the tests and results. Age, injury, or disease could also affect the ability of a person to perform the one-leg stand test or the walk-and-turn test. As a general rule, an officer should ask the DUI suspect whether they can give any reason why they cannot perform the test and their answer should be carefully noted in the officer's report. Other disabilities, such as deafness, should be taken into consideration and noted as well. ADMISSABILITY OF STANDARDIZED FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS Developed in the 1970s, these tests are scientifically validated, and are admissible as evidence in court in a majority of states. In the case of Commonwealth v. Weaver, the Pennsylvania Superior Court issued a precedential opinion that the results of HGN testing are admissible at any hearings related to a court's consideration of probable cause, but the results are still not admissible at an actual trial. In Pennsylvania's DUI cases, criminal defense lawyers sometimes file pretrial motions seeking the suppression of blood-alcohol evidence and argue that the arresting officer did not have probable cause to arrest the person. The court's decision means that an officer will be permitted to testify about HGN results before a judge considering the pretrial motion, but the officer could not present the same testimony to a jury at a trial. Aside from sobriety tests, officers are also permitted to use portable or preliminary breath tests (PBTs) in DUI investigations. While the officer obtained an alcohol concentration level reading on the breath test device, the actual reading on the device is not admissible at a trial. The results of a PBT test are not sufficiently reliable to show the amount of alcohol consumed. Instead, officers are only permitted to testify to the facts surrounding the administration of the test. However, sometimes the PBT test might help the defense. The results of the test could be used as exculpatory evidence concerning whether the officer has probable cause to make an arrest for DUI. DUI Impact on Auto Insurance Your rates could jump - or they could skyrocket. Companies estimate that your post-DUI rates could increase by anywhere between 40% - 60%, or even more. Auto insurance is seriously impacted by driving records. A DUI on a driving record causes auto insurers to view the driver as high-risk, and charge accordingly. Your car insurance company might drop you completely. Though they can't legally cancel your policy as soon as they know about the incident, they can decide not to renew your coverage once your current policy expires. You might be paying more for years to come. It varies state-by-state, but expect to shell out an increased premium for at least three years. You'll probably have to file an SR-22, FR-44, or FR-19. After a DUI, your state might require you to file one of these forms in order to prove that you're insured before they let you back on the road. SR-22's are also referred to as "statements of financial responsibility", and they're usually filed by your insurance company or agency on your behalf. You may not have to file an SR-22; again, that depends on incidental factors around the accident. Driving After a DUI Conviction DRIVING AFTER DUI CONVICTION: CAN YOU GET A WORK PERMIT? If you plead or are otherwise found guilty of DUI in Pennsylvania, your driving privileges will be suspended. For a first offense DUI, the license will be suspended for one year. Subsequent DUI convictions have more severe penalties. It is possible to get a restricted drivers license to drive to work or school, but it depends on whether your DUI was also associated with a refusal to submit to a field sobriety test. CONSEQUENCES OF REFUSING A BREATHALIZER TEST When you get pulled over in Pennsylvania on suspicion of DUI, the police officer might ask you to take a breathalyzer test. When you become a licensed driver in Pennsylvania, the fine print on your application states that by signing your name, you imply you are giving consent to take a breathalyzer test whenever a law enforcement officer requests it. By refusing this test, you are breaking the law, even if you have not been drinking. When you blow into this handheld device, it gives a reading of your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The legal limit is 0.08 percent. Depending upon the jurisdiction, the officer might not ask you to take a breathalyzer test. Different police departments have different protocols for DUI stops. In some places, the officer might first subject you to a field sobriety test, which involves agility drills to help determine your level of intoxication. Only if you fail these tests can the officer ask you to take a breathalyzer. No matter which tests you are asked to take, refusal to do so may constitute a violation of the implied consent law and result in license suspension. OCCUPATIONAL LIMITED LICENSES An occupational limited license (OLL) authorizes you to drive a designated motor vehicle, under certain conditions, when it is necessary for the driver’s occupation, work, trade, medical treatment, or study. An OLL is often referred to as a work permit or bread and butter license. Unfortunately, if someone does get a breathalyzer refusal and his license is suspended for a 12-month period, there is no chance to get an occupational limited license. In fact, you’ll serve a license suspension in addition to the one assessed for the DUI conviction. Penalties for breathalyzer test refusals are harsher than those for DUI is many ways. For DUI, after a 60 day period into the DUI-related license suspension, that person would be eligible for an occupational limited license. The OLL, once granted, applies to the final 10 months. Depending on your violations you may have to obtain an Ignition Interlock (II) Occupational Limited License (OLL).  So for the first 60 days, you cannot drive and your license is truly suspended. But for the final 10 months of a DUI-related suspension, you would be eligible for an occupational limited license. To Apply for an OLL: 1. You must complete Form DL-15  (PDF) Occupational Limited License Petition. Follow the instructions on the petition. 2. Send it, along with the appropriate fee, to the address listed on the form. Be sure to keep the DL-15A  (PDF) portion with your OLL once received. 3. PennDOT will evaluate the petition and determine your eligibility by reviewing the violations on your driving record. 4. If you do not qualify for an OLL, you will be sent a letter denying your application. 5. If you qualify for an OLL, you will be sent an OLL camera card, which you will need to take to the nearest Photo License Center  to have your photo taken and receive your OLL.

WRONGFUL DEATH If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of others, the attorneys at Fiffik Law Group can help your family pursue a wrongful death action against those responsible. Wrongful death lawsuits allow families to hold people or businesses accountable for their negligent or careless actions. These suits are often filed by a person’s estate as part of a catastrophic personal injury case where the defendant has died, including automobile accidents, drunk driving accidents, commercial truck accidents and medical malpractice cases. These suits can also be brought independently after the underlying suit has concluded. Many families have conflicts over the distribution of assets when settling the estate, and these battles can prevent them from being able to file a wrongful death action in time. Wrongful death claims have a two-year statute of limitations that begins with the death of your loved one. If the claim is against a city or county, this period of time is even shorter and comes with additional limitations. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in wrongful death suits, and they have the knowledge and ability to help your family recover the damages they deserve. Contact Our Personal Injury Attorney(s) Matthew Bole CALL US

Our experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys will fight for you until justice is served. If you've been injured or a loved one was hurt in an accident, we can fight for your justice and compensation. Personal Injury Fiffik Law Group, PC has helped thousands of clients suffering from personal injuries get the results that they deserve. No matter what problems you have, you can put your trust in us to get the job done. Our experienced attorneys also handle all insurance-related matters that arise when handling personal injury and auto accident cases. Our attorneys strive to protect our clients’ best interests at all times. Auto Accident Learn More Nursing Home Neglect Learn More Wrongful Death Learn More Mass Torts Learn More What NOT to Say to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company After a Car Accident Fiffik Law Group, PC May 15 5 min read Delayed Car Accident Injuries in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know Fiffik Law Group, PC Apr 13 5 min read Merging Roadways – Who Has the Right of Way in Pennsylvania? Fiffik Law Group, PC Jan 20 3 min read Do PA Nursing Homes and In-Home Care Agencies Conduct Background Checks on Staff? Fiffik Law Group, PC Oct 13, 2025 4 min read Falls in Nursing Homes: Understanding the Risks, Prevention, and Legal Rights Fiffik Law Group, PC Jul 10, 2025 3 min read

Carol Rosen Associate Attorney Carol has been an Associate with Fiffik Law Group, PC since 1998. Ms. Rosen consults primarily in the areas of Criminal Law, Driver Licensing and Motor Vehicle Violations, Taxation, Consumer Law, Family, and Domestic Relations, Personal Injury, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, and General Civil Practice. Carol received her undergraduate degree from Oberlin College (A.B., 1977), and her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1982). She was admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1982. Carol was an appellate law clerk to the Honorable Bernard L. McGinley, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, from 1988-1989, and an Assistant District Attorney for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, from 1984-1988. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1982; U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, 1982 J.D. (cum laude), University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 1982B.A., Oberlin College, 1977 AREAS OF PRACTICE Criminal Law , Driver Licensing and Motor Vehicle Violations, Taxation, Consumer Law, Family and Domestic Relations , Personal Injury

800 555-0100 Thank You Thank you for your message. We will get in touch with you shortly ABOUT THE FIRM A Pennsylvania firm families have trusted for decades Fiffik Law Group has counseled Pennsylvania families and businesses on estate, elder-law, and related matters for more than 30 years. Michael E. Fiffik, Esq. Managing Partner · Fiffik Law Group, PC Michael leads Fiffik Law Group as its Managing Partner, having built it into a full-service Pennsylvania firm serving families and businesses statewide. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1992 (J.D., University of Pittsburgh), he brings more than three decades of experience guiding clients through estate, business, and real-estate matters. Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, 2011–2024 AV Preeminent (Martindale-Hubbell) Avvo 9.5 PA & Allegheny County Bar Fiffik Law Group’s attorneys have been featured in The New York Times, CNN, CNBC , Kiplinger, and U.S. News. Your workshop presenter : Ben Shotten, the firm’s estate planning attorney, focuses on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate avoidance, and elder law — and regularly leads these educational workshops in plain English. Fiffik Law Group, PC 150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite F-200, Radnor, PA 19087 · [[(800) 555-0100]] · Serving Bucks & Montgomery counties Attorney Advertising. This page is an advertisement for legal services by Fiffik Law Group, PC, responsible attorney Michael E. Fiffik, Esq. (Managing Partner), licensed in Pennsylvania. Presenting attorney: Ben Shotten. The information here is general and educational, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created by attending this workshop or submitting this form. The workshop is complimentary and carries no obligation. [[Insert Pennsylvania bar’s exact required disclaimer/identification wording.]] © 2026 Fiffik Law Group, PC. All rights reserved.

Nikki Opfer Associate Attorney Nikki was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania in 2022 after graduating from Widener University Commonwealth Law School with her Juris Doctor and Business Advising Certificate. She joined Fiffik Law Group in 2025 after accumulating years of experience in the legal field. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Pennsylvania Bar Association, 2022 Allegheny County Bar Association, 2025 J.D. Widener Law School B.S. Westminster College AREAS OF PRACTICE General Practice

Cost of Nursing Home Care The world's population is aging at a faster rate than ever before and people are living longer year after year. So, now more than ever, it's extremely important to ensure our elderly population receives the medical or living care they require. However, that care can be expensive, and often not all expenses will be covered by medical government programs. If you or a loved one are considering lone-term care, it will prove very helpful to speak with someone who can help you understand your financial situation in the matter. Read more below to see how we can help you. Planning for Long Term Care The world’s population is aging at a faster rate than ever before and people are living longer. Every day until 2030, over 10,000 Baby Boomers will turn 65, and 7 out of 10 of them will require long-term care in their lifetime. Here are some statistics (all are "on average") you should consider: Someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services and supports in their remaining years Women need care longer (3.7 years) than men (2.2 years) One-third of today's 65 year-olds may never need long-term care support, but 20 percent will need it for longer than 5 years According to the Genworth Financial Cost of Care 2020 Survey , the average monthly cost of a one-bedroom unit in a Pennsylvania personal care residence or assisted living residence is $4,550. For a private room in a skilled nursing facility, the median monthly cost is $11,268. If you are looking for care for yourself or a loved one, you must understand how you are going to pay for it. Many people believe – wrongly – that Medicare, Social Security or Medicaid will pay for their long-term care needs. Medicare will pay for long-term care only if you require “skilled” services, meaning a short stay in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, or the costs associated with home health care. Even then, they’ll only cover these costs for a maximum of 100 days. Since the majority of long-term care is non-skilled assistance (helping with eating, moving around, bathing, etc.), it may be safe to assume that Medicare will not cover your long-term care needs. And if you do meet their requirements, once that 100-day window closes, you’re on your own for 100% of the costs incurred. What is Medicaid for Nursing Homes? Medicaid is a federal program for people with low income and few assets. It is a significant source of long-term care coverage for aged persons living in nursing homes in the United States. Medicaid is administered by each individual state in accordance with guidelines created by the federal government. Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program covers children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, as well as other adults who are eligible for federally assisted income maintenance payments. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) extended Medicaid eligibility to non-elderly adults with incomes at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty limit (FPL) —during 2022, that is $36,990 for a family of four.  States that choose to participate in this expansion receive enhanced federal matching payments. Pennsylvania opted to expand its Medicaid coverage during 2015. Medicaid is paid by both the state and federal governments. The federal government matches a state’s Medicaid spending at a rate that varies based on a formula that determines each state’s financial stability. This match allows states to expand other programs and respond to changes they face, whether it be population shifts, economic change, crisis and disaster, or public health emergencies. Medicaid accounts for almost 10% of federal spending and is often the second largest item in state budgets after education. The federal funds receive by the state are the highest line item on the individual state’s budget. While 78% of Medicaid funds are spent on the care of elderly and people with disabilities, this group only comprises about 30% of the beneficiaries of the Medicaid programs. Medicaid is a signficant payer for long-term care services in institutions including nursing homes. Note that in order to received Medicaid funds for its residents, a nursing home must be licensed for Medicaid. Not all nursing homes are so licensed. If you are considering a nursing home for a loved one who may be eligible for Medicaid benefits, you should check to see if the nursing home is licensed for Medicaid. Regardless of how the money is spent, Medicaid is a lower cost than private insurance due to the set payment rates to providers. Due to Medicaid accounting for around 20% of health care spending, the program is able to enter into agreements with the providers for a cost much lower than private insurance pays. As of February 2021, approximately 3.1 million people were enrolled in Medicaid in Pennsylvania. Medicaid covers 1 in 6 adults, 1 in 3 children, and 2 in 3 nursing home residents in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program has spent upwards of 30 BILLION dollars on health care services and, following the country’s model, the majority of these expenses are in long-term or managed care. Apply for state medical assistance learn more about your financing ability

Filing divorce in Pennsylvania? Our experienced family law attorneys have successfully guided thousands of clients through the divorce process. Divorce & Equitable Distribution People grow apart, communication breaks down, affairs happen, financial stress mounts, and disagreements escalate to non-stop fighting - and then the search for competent and professional legal counsel begins. How do you make your decision? Read more below to help you make your decision. These are a few situations and emotions our clients commonly deal with. Do any of them sound familiar? “I'm tired of the drama, living on autopilot and just trying to keep it together every day. I'm ready for a fresh start and a new chapter. I know it’s time.” “We had a lifestyle that included a nice home, newer cars, a vacation house, and club memberships. How are we going to divide everything and be okay? It's overwhelming trying to ensure I'm taken care of financially during this transition.” “I’ve had it with the emotional abuse. I’ve put up with it a long time, but I finally hit my limit.” “I've worked hard for what I have, and I don't want to lose it all. I need an attorney to ensure my needs are taken care of and that I'm not taken advantage of. "I love my husband, but I can’t deal with his drinking any longer. It’s torn our family apart and taken too much of a toll on me financially and physically. I need to start a new life.” At Fiffik Law Group, we understand the hurt and pain our clients experience in the midst of these tough situations, so we believe our dedication to top-level customer service makes the transition just a little easier. We want to make sure you are able to begin your new life financially secure and as quickly as possible. If you aren't ready to talk yet, please download our Divorce Guidebook. It will help you identify the things you should consider before proceeding with a divorce. Or if you would simply like to learn a little more about divorce in Pennsylvania, please click through the many articles on our website. If you’re ready to talk about divorce, the experienced divorce lawyers at Fiffik Law Group offer the knowledge and expertise that you deserve. You can trust us to represent your interests and protect your rights. For over 40 years, our law firm has successfully handled thousands of divorce cases including child custody, child support, spousal support, alimony, domestic violence, and more. Our divorce lawyers have represented clients throughout Pennsylvania. Fiffik Law Group divorce lawyers are seasoned professionals who can answer your questions, inform and guide you through the process, help you formulate goals, set realistic expectations, provide you with options, formulate a case strategy, negotiate from a position of strength, and ultimately be prepared to litigate if reasonable agreements cannot be reached. During the last three decades, our divorce attorneys have represented hundreds of clients in divorce actions, including cases involving: Spousal Support Alimony Exclusive Possession of Marital Residence Protection from Abuse No-Fault Divorce Property Distribution Complex Financial Issues including: Closely Held Businesses Tax Issues Stock Options Profit-Sharing Plans Real Estate Investment and Partnerships Executive Compensation Plans Pension Evaluations Qualified Domestic Relations Orders Visitation Rights Child Custody Child Support Adoption

Marsha K. Maietta Associate Attorney Marsha was admitted to practice law in 1982, Her practice is focused on the areas of Family Law, Estates and Trusts, and Bankruptcy. She has been an associate with Fiffik Law Group, PC since 2007. Marsha received her J.D. from Duquesne University in 1982, and her B.A. from Allegheny College in 1979. She is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association. Marsha is affiliated with a number of groups which include, The Dickens Fellowship, The Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers, and The Dante Society. She also received the Pro Bono Service Recognition from the ACBA. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Pennsylvania, 1982 Federal District Court, Western Pennsylvania 1982 J.D. Duquesne University, 1982 B.A. Allegheny College, 1979 AREAS OF PRACTICE Family Law, Estates and Trusts, Bankruptcy.