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0
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted February 21, 2021

What To Do With Your Stimulus Check if You Are in a Nursing Home

As the second round of stimulus checks go out, it is important to know that nursing home residents are not required to turn their checks over to their nursing home. And Medicaid recipients [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted February 17, 2021

Using Estate Planning to Prepare for Medicaid

Long-term care involves not only a loss of personal autonomy; it also comes at a tremendous financial price. Proper planning can help your family prepare for the financial toll and protect [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted February 3, 2021

Your Medical Directive

Any complete estate plan should include a medical directive, which can encompass a number of different documents. 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted February 3, 2021

The Top Eight Mistakes People Make With Medicaid

Medicaid planning can be a difficult and confusing process. Getting assistance from a qualified attorney will help you avoid these common mistakes.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted February 3, 2021

Congress Fixes Some, But Not All, Medicare Enrollment Problems

Tucked into the federal spending bill that passed at the end of December 2020 are some changes aimed at simplifying Medicare enrollment and addressing coverage gaps. But Congress chose not to [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted February 3, 2021

What is Long-Term Care and Who Provides It?

Long-term care is the care you need if you can’t perform daily activities on your own for an extended period of time. There are a number of different ways that this kind of care can be [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted January 19, 2021

Annual Long-Term Care Survey Finds Steep Rise in Assisted Living Facility Costs Amid Pandemic

All Long-term care costs rose sharply in 2020, but assisted living facility costs increased the most, according to Genworth’s latest annual Cost of Care Survey. The across-the-board rises were [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted January 7, 2021

The Attorney's Role in Medicaid Planning

Do you need an attorney for even "simple" Medicaid planning? This depends on your situation, but in most cases, the prudent answer would be "yes." 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted January 7, 2021

What Is Critical Illness Insurance and Is It Worth Buying?

Many employers offer critical illness insurance as part of their benefit package. What is this insurance and is it worth purchasing? Before paying for a plan, you should read the fine print [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted January 7, 2021

Can You Visit Nursing Home Residents After They are Vaccinated?

COVID vaccines are starting to roll out to nursing homes across the country, signaling the beginning of the end of the pandemic. Once your loved one has had both doses of the vaccine, you may [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted January 5, 2021

Who Should Purchase Long-Term Care Insurance?

Buying long-term care insurance is one way to protect against the high cost of long-term care. However, this type of insurance may not be for everyone, so consider all your options.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted December 15, 2020

Annuities and Medicaid Planning

Immediate annuities can be ideal Medicaid planning tools for spouses of nursing home residents. Careful planning is needed to make sure an annuity will work for you or your spouse. 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted December 15, 2020

What to Look for When Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan

As Medicare premiums rise, a Medicare Advantage plan can seem like an attractive option. But if you are considering switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, you need to [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted December 15, 2020

Medicare Premiums to Increase Slightly in 2021

Medicare premiums are set to rise a modest amount next year, but still cut into any Social Security gains. The basic monthly premium will increase $3.90, from $144.60 a month to $148.50.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted December 15, 2020

Ability to Withdraw Money Early from Retirement Plan Without Penalty Expires at the End of the Year

If you are experiencing financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, you may want to consider withdrawing money from your retirement account while you still can. The special exemption [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted November 4, 2020

Receiving an Inheritance While on Medicaid

For most people, receiving an inheritance is something good, but for a nursing home resident on Medicaid, an inheritance may not be such welcome news

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted November 4, 2020

How to Fix a Required Minimum Distribution Mistake

The rules around required minimum distributions from retirement accounts are confusing, and it’s easy to slip up. Fortunately, if you do make a mistake, there are steps you can take to fix the [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted November 4, 2020

Husbands Usually Don’t Consider Their Wives’ Future When Deciding When to Take Social Security Benefits

Husbands usually don’t take survivor’s benefits into account when claiming benefits, according to a recent study, meaning that many widows will needlessly experience a significant drop in [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted November 4, 2020

A Modest Social Security Increase for 2021

The Social Security Administration has announced a 1.3 percent rise in benefits in 2021, an increase even smaller than last year’s. 

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 Why Your 18-26-Year-Old May Need Some Estate Planning – HFM Investor Success Podcast
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted November 4, 2020

Why Your 18-26-Year-Old May Need Some Estate Planning – HFM Investor Success Podcast

Parents of 2020 seniors and parents of young adults should listen to this podcast so their child is prepared in the event of an unforeseen emergency or crisis.

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 Laura L. Ergood Appointed President of New Jersey NAELA Chapter
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Local News
Posted November 3, 2020

Laura L. Ergood Appointed President of New Jersey NAELA Chapter

On June 11, 2020 The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), New Jersey Chapter, appointed Laura L. Ergood, Esq., (Cherry Hill) as President effective July 2020.

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 What’s an “Atom Bomb” or “Contingent Remainder” Beneficiary?
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted October 27, 2020

What’s an “Atom Bomb” or “Contingent Remainder” Beneficiary?

When you’re planning your estate, among other things, you decide who should inherit your assets. You choose your beneficiaries, typically your children, grandchildren, or other close relatives. [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted October 8, 2020

The Ins and Outs of Guardianship and Conservatorship

Every adult is assumed to be capable of making his or her own decisions unless a court determines otherwise. If an adult becomes incapable of making responsible decisions, then the court will [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted October 8, 2020

Nursing Home Residents Face Even Greater Barriers to Voting Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has forced nursing homes to place a number of restrictions on their residents. These constraints are having the unintended consequence of making it more difficult for [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted October 8, 2020

Medicare Beneficiaries May Be Eligible for an Extra 100 days of Skilled Nursing Coverage Due to Pandemic

Medicare beneficiaries who qualified for skilled nursing facility (SNF) coverage may be eligible for an additional 100 days of coverage. Whether beneficiaries can actually get the extended [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted September 30, 2020

Medicare Open Enrollment Starts October 15: Is It Time to Change Plans?

Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, during which you can freely enroll in or switch plans, runs from October 15 to December 7. Now is the time to start shopping around to see whether your [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted September 8, 2020

How Will the Coronavirus Pandemic Affect Social Security?

The coronavirus pandemic is having a profound effect on the current U.S. economy, and it may have a detrimental effect on Social Security’s long-term financial situation. 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted September 8, 2020

Reverse Mortgages: A Way to Remain at Home Longer

Reverse mortgages make it possible for house-rich but cash-poor elders to use their housing equity to pay for home care while they remain in the home, or to use the money for anything else. 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted September 8, 2020

Can You Transfer Your Medicare and Medicaid Plans When You Move to Another State?

If you plan to move states, can you take your Medicare or Medicaid plans with you? The answer depends on whether you have original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Medicaid. 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted September 8, 2020

Which Nursing Home Rating System Should You Trust?

Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is a difficult decision and it can only be made more confusing by the various rating systems. A recent study found that using both Medicare’s Nursing [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted August 12, 2020

Caregiver Contracts: How to Pay a Family Member for Care

Although many people are willing to voluntarily care for a parent or loved one without any promise of compensation, entering into a caregiver contract with a family member can have many [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted August 12, 2020

Long-Reviled Military ‘Widow’s Tax’ Is Finally Being Phased Out

A controversial policy that reduces the benefits of military spouses is on the way out. The so-called “widow’s tax” cuts assistance to surviving military spouses who qualify for benefits under [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted August 12, 2020

A Modest Raise for Nursing Home Workers Could Save 15,000 Lives a Year: Study

Raising the minimum wage by as little as 10 percent would significantly improve the safety and health of nursing home residents, according to new research.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted August 12, 2020

Will Medicare Cover a Coronavirus Vaccine?

With the coronavirus pandemic disrupting life across the United States, the only way for the country to return to normal is an effective vaccine. When a vaccine is available, Medicare will [...]

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 Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 3
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted July 30, 2020

Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 3

A Special Needs Trust is tailored to help a beneficiary with special needs receive an inheritance without jeopardizing their current or future public needs-tested benefits, such as Medicaid or [...]

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 Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 2
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted July 30, 2020

Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 2

The second way which is the topic in this article is a fully discretionary trust, often called an “Asset Protection” Trust or a “Sentry” Trust.

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 Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted July 16, 2020

Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky

Maybe you grew up without much. You worked hard. You earned a good education. You succeeded in life even though the streets weren’t paved with gold where you grew up. Maybe you even grew up in a [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted July 7, 2020

Transferring Assets to Qualify for Medicaid

Transferring assets to qualify for Medicaid can make you ineligible for benefits for a period of time. Before making any transfers, you need to be aware of the consequences. 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted July 7, 2020

When Buying a Medigap Policy, It Really Pays to Shop Around

Medigap policies that supplement Medicare’s basic coverage can cost vastly different amounts, depending on the company selling the policy, according to a new study. The findings highlight the [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted July 7, 2020

Four Ways the Coronavirus Pandemic May Affect Long-Term Care Insurance

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on those in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. This has raised questions about how the virus has influenced the costs and [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted July 7, 2020

Nursing Homes Are Evicting Residents to Make Room for Coronavirus Patients

Illegal evictions of Medicaid nursing home residents are nothing new, but the coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating the problem, according to an investigation by the New York Times.

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 The Basics: Financial Power of Attorney
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law
Posted June 11, 2020

The Basics: Financial Power of Attorney

This is the first in a three-part series of articles on Powers of Attorney. This first article examines the Financial Power of Attorney. The second article will address the Healthcare Powers of [...]

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 Young Adult Estate Planning
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted May 29, 2020

Young Adult Estate Planning

We here at Ergood Law feel that it is important to have the right protection in place so you can always help your child.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted May 22, 2020

Seniors and Adults with Special Needs Who Are Claimed as Dependents Will Not Get Coronavirus Relief Payment

Not everyone will get the relief payment the federal government is sending to help Americans through the economic hard times triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Among those left out [...]

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 Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law
Posted May 18, 2020

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities

If you have clients who operate nursing homes or assisted living residences, a word of advice from you now can save them from making a serious misstep.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted May 7, 2020

Is It a Good Idea to Bring Your Parent Home from the Nursing Home During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

With the coronavirus pandemic hitting nursing homes and assisted living facilities especially hard, families are wondering whether they should bring their parents or other loved ones home. 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted May 7, 2020

How Your Stimulus Check Affects Medicaid Eligibility

The coronavirus relief bill includes a direct payment to most Americans.  How will this sudden cash infusion affect the eligibility of those receiving Medicaid long-term care services? 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted May 7, 2020

How Low Nursing Home Wages Are Contributing to COVID-19's Spread

Staff members working in more than one facility has been identified as a main contributor to nursing homes' vulnerability to COVID-19.  But working at more than one facility is often a [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted April 23, 2020

Should Seniors Who Lose Their Job During the Coronavirus Pandemic Claim Social Security Benefits Early?

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, unemployment is skyrocketing. Seniors who lose their jobs may be tempted to claim Social Security benefits early, but should they, given the resulting [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted April 2, 2020

Staying Connected to Family Members in a Nursing Home When Visits are Banned

The spread of the coronavirus to nursing home residents has caused the federal government to direct nursing homes to restrict visitor access. Families are having to find new ways to stay in [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted April 2, 2020

Social Security Shutters 'Petri Dish' Offices in Response to Coronavirus Outbreak

To protect its workers and the public during the coronavirus pandemic, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has suspended face-to-face service at its field offices and hearings offices [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted March 26, 2020

Medicare is Expanding Telehealth Services During Coronavirus Pandemic

As part of its response to the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government is broadly expanding coverage of Medicare telehealth services to beneficiaries and relaxing HIPAA enforcement. This [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law
Posted March 26, 2020

Coronavirus and Nursing Homes

The novel “coronavirus” (also called “SARS-CoV-2”) causes the disease “COVID-19.” It first appeared in late 2019 and was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31, 2019. [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted March 13, 2020

Medicare and Medicaid Will Cover Coronavirus Testing

With coronavirus dominating news coverage and creating alarm, it is important to know that Medicare and Medicaid will cover tests for the virus. 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted March 2, 2020

The Trump Administration Allows States to Choose Medicaid Block Grants

The Trump administration will allow states the option to cap Medicaid spending using block grants. While this change does not directly affect nursing home residents on Medicaid, it could [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted March 2, 2020

Make Sure You Are Counted in the 2020 Census

The 2020 census is starting soon, and seniors need to be counted. This may be more of a challenge this year because for the first time, the census will be completed largely online.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted March 2, 2020

How Secure Is Social Security?

For years people have been worried about Social Security’s future, but what is the actual outlook? According to the federal government, unless Congress acts to intervene, Social Security [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted March 2, 2020

How Does Medicaid Treat Income?

The basic Medicaid rule for nursing home residents is that they must pay all of their income, minus certain deductions, to the nursing home.

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 Beneficiary Designations and Other Non-Probate Transfers
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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted February 25, 2020

Beneficiary Designations and Other Non-Probate Transfers

Beneficiary designations and other non-probate transfers are an often-overlooked part of estate planning. They are overlooked by clients and sometimes even by professionals.

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 Planning for the Sandwich Generation
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted February 18, 2020

Planning for the Sandwich Generation

People are living longer and are having children later in life. Due to this combination of demographic factors, many more people are in the “Sandwich Generation.”

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 Joint Tenancy Pros and Cons
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law
Posted February 16, 2020

Joint Tenancy Pros and Cons

Joint tenancy is a form of legal ownership where the property passes automatically at the death of one of the owners to the remaining joint tenants. Typically, there are two joint tenants, though [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted February 5, 2020

Whom Do You Want to Get Your Assets?

It’s important to consider whom you’d want to get your assets when you die. Most of us have an idea of whom we’d choose. But, it’s also important to consider who should get those assets if your [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted February 4, 2020

Medicaid Protections for the Healthy Spouse

Medicaid law provides special protections for the spouses of Medicaid applicants to make sure the spouses have the minimum support needed to continue to live in the community.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted February 4, 2020

Free Tax Preparation Help Is Available to Seniors

Most low- and middle-income Americans qualify for free online tax preparation software, but do not take advantage of it. And anyone over age 60 can use the IRS’s Tax Counseling for the Elderly [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted February 4, 2020

Caregivers Are Getting Younger, Making Planning for Long-Term Care Even More Important

As baby boomers age, more and more millennials are becoming caregivers. Many are taking on this role while just getting started in their own lives, leading to difficult decisions about [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted February 4, 2020

Medicare Now Covers Outpatient Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Recognizing the huge problems caused by opioid addiction in the United States, Medicare is adding a new outpatient opioid treatment benefit, paying for methadone and related treatment in [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted January 14, 2020

Movement Grows to Add Dental Coverage to Medicare

Medicare does not offer much in the way of dental benefits, but advocates for Medicare beneficiaries are arguing for that to change. 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted January 14, 2020

Feds Release 2020 Guidelines Used to Protect the Spouses of Medicaid Applicants

The federal government has released the 2020 federal guidelines for how much money the spouses of Medicaid recipients may keep, as well as related Medicaid figures.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted January 14, 2020

New Law Makes Big Changes to Retirement Plans

A spending bill signed into law by the President contains major changes to retirement plans. The bipartisan legislation is designed to provide more incentives to save for retirement, but it [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted December 7, 2019

Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged

Estate Planning is critical to making sure your wishes are carried out. This series focuses on how an Estate Plan could be challenged. This series will show the importance of doing Estate [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted December 3, 2019

Medicaid's Treatment of the Home

Nursing home residents do not automatically have to sell their homes in order to qualify for Medicaid, but that doesn't mean the house is completely protected.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted December 3, 2019

Medicare Premiums to Increase By Almost $10 a Month in 2020

After small or no increases the past couple of years, Medicare’s Part B premium will rise sharply in 2020. The basic monthly premium will increase $9.10, from $135.50 a month to $144.60. 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted December 3, 2019

IRS Issues Long-Term Care Premium Deductibility Limits for 2020

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the amount taxpayers can deduct from their 2020 income as a result of buying long-term care insurance.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted December 3, 2019

Home Care Costs Rise Sharply in Annual Long-Term Care Cost Survey

When it comes to long-term care costs, the charges for home care are now rising faster than those for nursing home care, according to Genworth's 2019 Cost of Care survey.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted November 4, 2019

Don't Let Medicare Open Enrollment Go By Without Reassessing Your Options

Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, during which you can freely enroll in or switch plans, runs from October 15 to December 7. Don't let this period slip by without shopping around to see [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted November 4, 2019

What to Do If You Are Appointed Guardian of an Older Adult

Being appointed guardian of a loved one is a serious responsibility. As guardian, you are in charge of your loved one's well-being and you have a duty to act in his or her best interest.  

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted November 4, 2019

Medicaid's Power to Recoup Benefits Paid: Estate Recovery and Liens

Under Medicaid law, following the death of the Medicaid recipient a state must attempt to recover from his or her estate whatever benefits it paid for the recipient's care.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted October 2, 2019

How to Use a Trust in Medicaid Planning

With careful Medicaid planning, you may be able to preserve some of your estate for your children or other heirs while meeting the Medicaid asset limit.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted October 2, 2019

Tips for Preventing, Detecting, and Reporting Financial Abuse of the Elderly

Reports of elder financial abuse continue to increase, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to scams or to financial abuse by family members in need of money.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted October 2, 2019

Most Are Taking Social Security at the Wrong Time

A new report finds that almost no retirees are making financially optimal decisions about when to take Social Security and are losing out on an average of more than $100,000 per household in [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted October 2, 2019

What to Look for When Buying an Annuity

An annuity can be a useful tool for long-term care planning, but annuities are also complex financial products that are hard to understand. If purchasing an annuity, you need to consider your [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted September 11, 2019

Medicaid's Asset Transfer Rules

In order to be eligible for Medicaid, you cannot have transferred assets recently. Congress does not want you to move into a nursing home on Monday, give all your money to your children (or [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted September 11, 2019

Will My Advance Directive Work in Another State?

If you move to a different state or split your time between one or more states, you should make sure your advance directive is valid in all the states you frequent.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted September 11, 2019

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren May Qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit

Raising a grandchild can be tough financially, but grandparents in this situation should be aware that there is a tax credit available that could help them. 

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted September 6, 2019

Make Your Own Plan

Some people plan their estates carefully. Some people don’t have an estate plan at all. That’s called dying intestate. In that situation, the state in which they live at their death has a default [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted August 21, 2019

Protecting Your House After You Move Into a Nursing Home

While you generally do not have to sell your home in order to qualify for Medicaid coverage of nursing home care, it is possible the state can file a claim against your house after you die, so [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law
Posted August 13, 2019

New Rule Once Again Allows Nursing Home Arbitration Agreements

The Trump administration is officially rolling back a ban on the use of arbitration agreements by nursing homes, once again allowing nursing facilities to ask families to give up their right [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law
Posted August 13, 2019

Should You Sell Your Life Insurance Policy?

Older Americans with a life insurance policy that they no longer need have the option to sell the policy to investors. These transactions, called "life settlements," can bring in needed cash, [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law
Posted August 13, 2019

Medicaid’s Gift to Children Who Help Parents Postpone Nursing Home Care

There are circumstances in which transferring a house will not result in a Medicaid penalty period, and one of those is if the Medicaid applicant transfers the house to a "caretaker child."  

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted June 19, 2019

A Final Retirement Account Distribution Must Still Be Made After Death

Federal law requires that beginning on April 1 of the year after you reach age 70 1/2, you must begin withdrawing a minimum amount
from your non-Roth individual retirement account (IRA) [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted June 5, 2019

Tips on Creating an Estate Plan that Benefits a Child with Special Needs

Parents want their children to be taken care of after they die. But children with disabilities have increased financial and care needs, so ensuring their long-term welfare can be tricky.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted May 4, 2019

Six Things to Consider Before Making Gifts to Grandchildren

Here are some issues grandparents should consider before making gifts to grandchildren or other family members.

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted March 7, 2019

A Tax Break to Help Working Caregivers Pay for Day Care

Paying for day care is one of the biggest expenses faced by working adults with young children, a dependent parent, or a child with a disability, but there is a tax credit available to help [...]

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 Pie Talk at Ralph’s
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Local News
Posted February 14, 2019

Pie Talk at Ralph’s

https://ergoodlaw.com/pie-talk-at-ralphs/

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 The Little Things May be the Most Important
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted January 27, 2019

The Little Things May be the Most Important

Often, the smallest things have the most sentimental value. Your grandmother’s silverware or your grandfather’s railroad watch could connect you to them in a special way. Your mother’s ring or [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted December 26, 2018

Feds Release 2019 Guidelines Used to Protect the Spouses of Medicaid Applicants

The federal government has released the 2019 federal guidelines for how much money the spouses of Medicaid recipients may keep, as well as related Medicaid figures..

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 Choosing The Right Agent
By Ergood Law, LLC
In Estate Planning
Posted December 19, 2018

Choosing The Right Agent

Written by Attorneys for the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys A Secret Agent may be very important to protecting the nation. Your Agent is just as important for your protection. An [...]

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By Ergood Law, LLC
In Elder Law, Uncategorized
Posted December 5, 2018

Have Private Insurance and Are Turning 65? You Need Sign Up for Medicare Part B

If you are paying for your own insurance, you may think you do not need to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65. However, not signing up for Medicare Part B right away can cost you down the [...]

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