Bethany K. Laurence

Bethany K. Laurence

Attorney · UC Law San Francisco

Bethany Laurence is a Senior Legal Editor at Nolo, where she has worked since 1997. She holds a J.D. from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) and is a member of the California Bar. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Boston University. 

Disability law. At Nolo, Bethany edits the Social Security, Medicare, and disability content, and she is the managing editor of the DisabilitySecrets website. She also edits the books Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability; The Complete IEP Guide, and Social Security, Medicare, and Government Pensions. Bethany is a member of NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives).

Business law. Bethany has also combined her legal and financial expertise to edit many Nolo small business books, such as LLC or Corporation and How to Form an LLC, and is the lead editor for Nolo’s online LLC and corporation services. Over the years she has co-written several business books, including Business Buyout Agreements: Plan Now for Retirement, Death, Divorce or Owner Disagreements; Save Your Small Business: 10 Crucial Strategies to Survive Hard Times or Close Down & Move On; and Bankruptcy for Small Business Owners: How to File for Chapter 7. 

Other pursuits. In addition to her work at Nolo, Bethany co-founded several educational nonprofit organizations, including River Montessori Charter School and Red Barn Montessori, and served on their boards of directors. She most recently served on the board of the Magnet Program Foundation of Hillcrest Middle School. In the past, Bethany has volunteered her time at a disability law clinic in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco.  

Originally from Rhode Island, Bethany enjoys reading and hiking in the redwoods of northern California.

Articles By Bethany K. Laurence

How a Hospital Stay on Observation Status Hurts Medicare Recipients
“Held for observation” is not the same as “admitted.” Find out how a hospital stay on observation can hurt you.
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver Services (HCBS)
Medicaid in some states pays for services to allow elderly or disabled individuals to stay in their own homes.
Understanding Medicaid's Community First Choice Program
Community First Choice offers home health care without the limitations of the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver.
New Jersey Temporary Disability Benefits (TDI)
New Jersey has a state-run temporary disability program financed by employer and employee contributions.
California Short-Term Disability Insurance Benefits
If you're temporarily unable to work, you can get short-term disability in California. Learn what you need to qualify and how much you can receive in benefits.
Rhode Island Temporary Disability Benefits (TDI)
Rhode Island is one of the few states with a short-term disability program for injuries or illnesses.
Closing Your Business: What You Need to Do
Whatever your reasons for closing your business, there are a few legal tasks you need to undertake to protect yourself, your credit, and your reputation in the community, especially if you ever want to go into business again.
Services Not Covered by Medicare Part B
The categories of medical treatment and services listed below are not covered by Medicare.
What Services Medicare Part B Will Cover
Part B medical insurance is intended to cover basic medical services provided by doctors, clinics, and laboratories.
Medicare Coverage of Inpatient Rehabilitation Stays
Medicare Part A covers most of the cost of care when you stay at an inpatient rehabilitation facility (sometimes called a rehabilitation hospital).