Most US Workers Say They Will File for Social Security Early
To secure the maximum amount in monthly Social Security retirement benefits, Americans must wait until full retirement age to start receiving their payouts. [...]
To secure the maximum amount in monthly Social Security retirement benefits, Americans must wait until full retirement age to start receiving their payouts. [...]
Recently proposed legislation seeks to offer financial relief for unpaid family caregivers. The Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act of [...]
Although 2024 Medicare premiums are seeing an increase, there are nevertheless a few bright spots.
Under a new Medicare Prescription Payment Plan starting in 2025, all Medicare prescription drug plans, including Medicare Advantage plans, will offer enrollees [...]
Your most valuable property may be your home. You likely want your children to inherit that value when you pass away. [...]
Most older adults acknowledge that estate planning is essential. Yet, nearly half of Americans age 55 or older do not have a will. Even fewer [...]
Some people may wish to decline life-saving treatment if facing a terminal illness. Others opt to seek out a physician's assistance in dying. Acting to end life [...]
When one member of a couple moves to a nursing home, we expect that spouse will be the first to die, but this isn’t always the case. What happens if a Medicaid recipient's spouse dies first?
Nursing home residents do not automatically have to sell their homes in order to qualify for Medicaid, but that doesn't mean it's completely protected. A lien can be placed on the house to [...]
Many retirees look forward to [...]
Caregiving is hard work and it is easy for caregivers to get burned out. Adult day care centers provide care and companionship in a group setting to seniors who need supervision during the [...]
The National Council on Aging reports that more than 16.5 million adults 65 and older experience economic insecurity. Rising housing and health care bills can also burden seniors on fixed, [...]
Not talking to your adult children about their inheritance comes at a cost. Do what you can to manage expectations for adult children [...]
In a survey published this past fall, more than 1,000 participants aged 18 to 99 shared insights on their estate plans – or lack thereof. In fact, more than half [...]
Visiting an attorney to get your estate plan done is one New Year's resolution that you should [...]
Even if your children get along well, the distribution of your assets can require conflict resolution skills. Without previously experiencing any significant [...]
Qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trusts enable individuals to maintain control over the assets they leave their spouse while preserving wealth and leaving a meaningful legacy for [...]
A death doula, or end-of-life doula, is a person who serves as a companion for a dying person and typically assists their loved ones in providing comprehensive [...]
With the arrival of the new year, revisions to the annual gift tax and estate tax exclusions will be going into effect, as recently announced by the Internal [...]
With multiple generations getting together for holiday meals, gift exchanges and quality time, these annual gatherings present an [...]
An independent living facility is a housing arrangement that caters to older people, usually aged 55 and older. Some people may refer to these facilities as [...]
Most seniors want to be able to stay at home as long as they can instead of moving into a nursing home. The PACE program provides care and services to some nursing home-eligible seniors to [...]
For older adults experiencing hearing difficulties, over-the-counter hearing aids
If you are a senior on a fixed income, you may worry that you will not have the money to fill your fridge. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) [...]
The SSA has overpaid billions of dollars in benefits to Social Security recipients. An overpayment occurs when Social Security gives [...]
In 2023, recipients of Social Security benefits saw the biggest increase in decades in their monthly checks. Although their payouts will indeed rise again in [...]
In 2023, seniors were happy to see their Medicare Part B standard monthly premiums and annual [...]
Someone who is incapacitated cannot make personal decisions or understand legal documents. An incapacitated person requires a [...]
Many couples in their 30s and 40s are providing for their families and balancing care duties between the needs of children and parents. Managing it all takes preparation, organization, and [...]
By creating Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST),
Creating a living will ensures your future health care decisions and plans are respected. A living will is a legal document outlining [...]
Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are long-term housing and care options for older adults. Although people sometimes use [...]
Understanding some of the common medical and legal terms in the field of estate planning and elder law can give you added confidence [...]
The SECURE Act changed how beneficiaries of inherited retirement accounts must withdraw these funds. Its passage made it more difficult for individuals to pass [...]
If you own a firearm of monetary or sentimental value, you may wonder how to transfer ownership to your loved ones after you die. In [...]
As more people look to adopt environmentally sustainable practices not only in life, but now also in death, 'green' alternatives may become more of a norm in the [...]
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) took effect on Jan. 1, 2018, and impacted personal income taxes, estate tax rules, capital gains rules, and much more. The TCJA [...]
Elder law attorneys, with expertise in estate planning, incapacity planning, and end-of-life care for seniors, are essential in [...]
As part of their benefits, some Medicare Advantage beneficiaries receive Medicare flex cards. These are pre-paid debit cards for [...]
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) is a respiratory infection that mimics the common cold. However, the virus can cause serious complications in older [...]
Whether or not you are already receiving Social Security benefits, there are numerous services you may be able to take advantage of through the SSA [...]
If you are a property holder, you may use a Lady Bird Deed to transfer real property to a specific beneficiary while retaining certain rights to the property. [...]
Although in many situations the advantages outweigh the disadvantages when selecting beneficiaries, there are always exceptions.
Last wills and testaments (also known simply as wills) are not just for the wealthy.
Creating a spendthrift trust for your loved one can limit their spending and your protect wealth.
When individuals cannot manage their finances, courts can appoint guardians. Financial guardianship is for those who need help [...]
America has three major housing issues for seniors: affordability, physical accessibility, and access to medical care and other services. There is a need for [...]
Seniors and disabled citizens will receive more access to the Medicare Extra Help Program as of the beginning of 2024.
Although Medicare funds some home health care services, a recent study has found that Medicare beneficiaries are underutilizing the [...]
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that protects patients' privacy. [...]
Some assets transfer directly to heirs after a person's death. Other assets must go through a process known as probate.
Many individuals are concerned when they hear the term "
For LGBTQ+ couples, estate planning may be more important than they realize.
Under a federal pilot program, a number of states are using Medicaid funds to cover healthy food costs for Medicaid recipients.
Many seniors wish to leave their home to their heirs. However, they may often lose track of their finances and fail to pay certain [...]
More and more seniors are facing a substance use disorder problem that in large part has remained silent.
The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency offically ended in May 2023. Certain policies that were implemented in early 2020 during the PHE will now expire.
A QLAC is an annuity that you purchase with funds from an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b) account and that guarantees you will receive retirement income on a set [...]
A crucial, yet often overlooked, component of estate planning is reviewing assets, such as 401(k)s, pensions, and savings accounts, [...]
Vermont has become the first state in the U.S. to update its end-of-life choice law to make it legal for nonresidents to pursue medically assisted [...]
Trusts are legal arrangements used in estate planning, alongside wills and advance directives.
Innovations in robotics and artificial intelligence may have the potential to provide support on this front, allowing seniors to [...]
End-of-life care decisions are never easy, but many Medicare recipients are being forced to choose between nursing home or hospice care, although neither by themselves may be ideal for a [...]
Finding inexpensive, safe, and accessible housing can be challenging. However, several affordable housing options are available for older people with low [...]
For those who wish to maintain their independence and continue living at home as they grow older, taking certain steps to protect their physical, mental, and [...]
Most people want to pass their assets to their children or grandchildren, but naming a minor as a beneficiary can have unintended consequences. It is important to make a plan that doesn’t involve [...]
Most people want to pass their assets to their children or grandchildren, but naming a minor as a beneficiary can have unintended consequences. It is important to make a plan that doesn’t involve [...]
Powers of attorney that only allow an agent to do certain things are commonly referred to as a limited power of [...]
While financial planning has been at the top of many Americans’ minds, a vast majority of people have stalled in creating an estate plan.
If you wish to maintain control during your lifetime over the assets you place in a trust, you may choose to establish a revocable, or "living" trust – most [...]
Many power of attorney forms allow for a variety of options in designating who may act as your agent. Depending on the rules of your state, this can be one [...]
Hospice care is a type of health care that patients with terminally ill conditions rely on at the end of their lives.
A new AARP analysis gives a glimpse into the experiences of family caregivers and offers recommendations on policies and practices that policymakers should [...]
Seniors who need assistance with certain daily activities are eligible for Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports. Unfortunately, many who qualify for these [...]
Using survey data from more than 8,000 adults aged 65 and older, researchers have identified eight social factors that may lead to early death in older [...]
Wills contain important information about who receives money, possessions, and property upon a person’s death. Who can view this information, and is it a public record?
Arranging what happens to your digital assets and information when you pass away has become an increasingly essential component of [...]
When you assume the role of surrogate decision-maker, it is crucial to understand the patient's wishes and values.
People create wills to establish what happens to their money and assets when they pass away. In these documents, they can name [...]
You may worry about your older loved ones, especially if you live far away from them. You can, however, take some simple steps to ensure their safety as they [...]
It is easy to burn out when you are responsible for providing full-time care to an aging or disabled loved one.
Self-monitoring one’s blood pressure can help in controlling hypertension. Depending on your state, Medicaid may cover part of the [...]
Full-time caregiving is a significant time commitment. Fortunately, family members who want to serve as caregivers may have options to help cover the [...]
Choosing an executor is a big decision when it comes to estate planning. Here are three common questions about executors.
When people make wills, they nominate someone to handle their estates and carry out their wishes after passing away.
Estate planning entails preparing your affairs for the future. While older adults might give more thought to estate planning, it is [...]
The basic idea behind a QPRT is to transfer the equity in a qualified residence out of a person's estate and to their heirs while [...]
The debate among lawmakers on further expanding Medicaid in some 11 states continues to evolve.
Are you a taxpayer who has purchased long-term care insurance? Take note of your policy details [...]
When it comes to filing your 2022 federal tax return for the 2023 tax season, you may be able to access several forms of assistance for free.
If you are preparing a will, it is important to choose an executor you can trust, who is reliable, and who will take their role [...]
Powers of attorney can be overridden. However, the "who" and "how" depends on whether the principal is of sound mind.
Many people are unaware that there is coverage to help families lay their loved ones to rest. Depending on your state, Medicaid may cover some funeral costs and [...]
Although every state's laws and forms vary, most power of attorney forms specify that the agency relationship created by a power of [...]
Congress established the Medicaid Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program to provide states with federal funding to help seniors who are receiving care in [...]
The Senate and House have cleared the passage of a year-end $1.7 trillion appropriations bill that will benefit older adults on a number of fronts.
A health savings account may help you save money on medical expenses, depending on your insurance type.
"Decedent" is a legal term that refers to a person who has died with unsatisfied legal obligations.
If you are considering engaging in estate planning or you may be inheriting assets, it is important to understand what the step-up in [...]
There are various benefits to creating a testamentary trust. This article discusses the benefits of adding a testamentary trust to your estate plan.
A charitable lead annuity trust (CLAT) is an estate planning tool whereby a person creates a trust that initially benefits a [...]
Assisted living facilities support older adults with daily living while fostering their [...]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2023 federal guidelines [...]
In November 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that Medicare coverage will be expanded to include medically necessary dental [...]
If Medicare refuses to cover your care, do not assume this means you will have to take on the financial burden.
If you are a high-net-worth individual, it’s essential to have a comprehensive estate plan in place. However, every family’s [...]
If you are planning to leave an investment property to loved ones, a 1031 exchange may be a helpful estate planning tool for you. [...]
After losing a loved one, consider the best way to honor them and their life. Sometimes, a traditional funeral is not the best fit. Today, there are many [...]
You may wonder if there’s anything you shouldn’t include in your will. The answer is yes. There are some things that you should [...]
Seniors living in Medicaid-funded nursing homes receive a personal needs allowance - a monthly stipend the Medicaid recipient can use [...]
Although caring for people with dementia can be challenging, a variety of resources can help caregivers assist their loved ones. [...]
For the first time in more than 10 years, Medicare Part B enrollees will see some of their costs decline.
Recent research examined the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Medicaid imposes strict rules on how much money and assets an applicant can have. To qualify for Medicaid, you must fall under the asset limit, which is $2,000 in most states. Even with greater [...]
A life estate often comes up in discussions of estate and Medicaid planning. It is a form of joint ownership that allows one person to remain in a house until his or her death, when it passes [...]
Accumulated frequent flier miles can be valuable assets, but what happens to those miles after somene dies? Can a spouse or other heirs inherit them, or do the miles simply evaporate like a [...]
You may have heard of the terms “springing” and “non-springing” power of attorney and wonder what they mean.
As the recent death of Anne Heche shows us, not having a will can place a significant burden on your children and cause undesirable [...]
A number of considerations go into how much long-term care insurance any consumer should buy.
If your loved one is entering a nursing home, you may worry whether you could be liable for their care.
A recent survey finds that 55 percent of adult children say they are not financially prepared to help their Baby Boomer parents cope with rising inflation and [...]
When you put your assets in a MAPT, Medicaid will not count the money in the trust toward its resource limit.
Even if you've created an estate plan, are you sure you included everything you need to? There are certain provisions that people often forget to put in in a will or estate plan that can have [...]
Planning your own funeral arrangements can assist your loved ones in an emotionally challenging time, while also protecting them from [...]
There are some documents that you will want to hang on to forever and some that you should keep for a few years.
In many cases, you would tell your beneficiaries that you have made a trust for them. However, this is not always desirable - and this is where a “quiet” trust may be helpful.
Unfortunately, neither health insurance nor Medicare covers long-term care. Medicaid could become your only option, so do what you can to plan ahead.
Many retirees meet the requirements for federal and state benefits programs, yet do not know they are eligible and miss opportunities [...]
Even a modest monthly income may disqualify you from Medicaid. A Miller Trust may help you resolve this dilemma.
If you have ever been admitted to the hospital, you have likely been asked to sign a health care proxy form.
Do you have a friend or loved one who receives Social Security and is unable to manage her payments? If so, you can request that the Social Security Administration name you as the [...]
If medical personnel are able to access your medical history during an emergency, it could mean the difference between life and death.
Medigap premiums for plans from insurance companies offering the same benefits vary widely, so it pays to be a smart shopper.
Nursing home evictions, or involuntary discharges or transfers, disrupt the lives of residents, leading to homelessness, separation from familial support systems, and loss of care. As federal [...]
Following the death of a family member, you may find yourself needing to sort through many possessions accumulated over the deceased’s lifetime. An estate sale is one way to distribute, [...]
Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) are a mechanism by which wealthier individuals and couples can transfer appreciating assets to their heirs and minimize gift or estate taxes.
Saying goodbye to a loved one is heartbreaking. Making final arrangements can be overwhelming, and knowing what you are allowed to do to fulfill your loved one's wishes is important — but it [...]
The Internal Revenue Service has issued new guidance extending the time that executors have to elect portability.
An executor, also called a personal representative, is the person responsible for managing the administration of a deceased person's estate.
Collecting art or other valuable items can be a passion for many people. Once you have accumulated a sizable collection, what do you want to happen to it after you pass away?
Unfortunately, not all families get along. If you are having problems with one of your children, you may not want them to benefit from your estate. There are several strategies for dealing [...]
If you want to pass money to future generations without having it subject to gift and estate taxes, then a dynasty trust may be right for you.
An advisory issued in June warns people against using a series of adult portable bed rail models after at least three people were entangled in them and died of asphyxia.
If you need a lot of cash on hand upon retirement, Social Security offers a lump-sum payment option that’s worth six months of retroactive benefits. However, it comes at a cost. It is [...]
While Medicaid helps pay for nursing home care, being admitted to a nursing home as a Medicaid recipient is not always easy. There are several ways to navigate the process, depending on your [...]
In a case involving a teen who was catastrophically injured, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that state Medicaid programs may be [...]
A Roth IRA does not have to be used as just a retirement plan; it can also be a way to transfer assets tax-free to the next generation.
Sports fans with season tickets may want their families to enjoy the tickets after they are gone, but passing on these tickets is not always simple.
Running a small business can keep you busy, but it should not keep you from creating an estate plan. Not having a plan in place can cause problems for your business and your family after you [...]
As a trust beneficiary, you may feel that you are at the mercy of the trustee, but depending on the type of trust, beneficiaries may have rights to ensure the trust is properly managed.
Navigating the Medicaid application process can be complicated, especially if you are applying for long-term care benefits. Having an attorney help you through the process can be extremely [...]
If you have Medicare, you can now receive up to eight free rapid at-home Covid-19 tests a month at participating pharmacies, no prescription required.
Leaving a nursing home to return home is a goal for many residents and their families, but it requires careful consideration. While returning home is a good move for some, it won't work for [...]
If you apply for long-term care assistance through Medicaid and your application is denied, the situation may seem hopeless. The good news is that you can appeal the decision.
When a married couple applies for Medicaid, the Medicaid agency must analyze the couple’s income and assets as of a particular date to determine eligibility. This “snapshot” date can have a [...]
In an alarming number of cases, private Medicare Advantage plans are denying coverage for medical services that would be covered under original Medicare, according to a federal investigation. [...]
We've all been warned about protecting ourselves from identity theft, but one group of victims can't take action to defend themselves—the dead. There are steps that you can take to discourage [...]
While an inheritance is usually desired, there are some circumstances in which it might be unwelcome. If you don’t want an inheritance, you must disclaim it.
One of the many factors to consider when setting up a trust is whether to make it a grantor trust or a non-grantor trust. While a grantor trust is more common, a non-grantor trust can be [...]
The estate and gift tax exemption is set to be cut in half in 2026. Proper planning may be necessary to make sure you are taking full advantage of the current exemption and aren’t negatively [...]
Tax day is fast approaching and you want to make sure you're taking advantage of all the deductions and credits you're entitled to.
A federal court has ruled that hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries who were switched from inpatient to observation status can appeal the decision, making it easier for them to receive coverage [...]
When loved ones pass away, there are lots of considerations, including what happens to their Social Security. The decedent’s payments need to be stopped, but survivor’s benefits may be [...]
Medicaid applicants must prove that they have limited income and assets in order to be eligible for long-term care benefits. Before beginning the application process, it is helpful to [...]
Some parents, fearful of how a large inheritance will affect their heirs, set up what are known as “incentive trusts” that ensure that the trust funds support positive behavior and discourage [...]
Acting as an agent under a power of attorney is a big responsibility and it isn’t something everyone can take on. It is possible to resign or refuse the position.
Serving as a trustee of a trust can be a huge responsibility, so trustees are entitled to compensation for their work. The amount of compensation depends on the type of trustee and the [...]
When one spouse is in a nursing home and applying for Medicaid, planning has to take into account the possibility that the spouse who is not in the nursing home (called the "community spouse") [...]
Overwhelmed by the stress of long hours, low pay and exposure to the COVID-19 virus, nursing home workers are quitting in record numbers. The labor hemorrhage has turned what was already a [...]
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that it will add data on staff turnover rates and weekend staffing levels to its Care Compare website, giving consumers another tool [...]
If a loved one is experiencing memory loss or suddenly making poor decisions, you may want the court to appoint a guardian, which requires a declaration of incompetence.
If your family contains opposite-gender parents in the first marriage for each and one or more kids, all healthy and thriving, your estate plan will probably be pretty straightforward. But if [...]
What happens if you become incapacitated and are unable to voice your opinion on your health care? If you don’t have a health care proxy or guardian in place, state law chooses who can make [...]
With the fate of the estate tax exemption uncertain, you may want to use the current large exemption to transfer assets to a trust to benefit your spouse. A spousal lifetime access trust [...]
When the SSA closed its offices at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it failed to provide practical ways for the elderly and people with disabilities to demonstrate their eligibility or [...]
When applying for Medicaid’s long-term care coverage, in addition to the strict income and asset limits, you must demonstrate that you need a level care typically provided in a nursing home.
Medicare premiums are rising sharply next year, cutting into the large Social Security cost-of-living increase. The basic monthly premium will jump 15.5 percent, or $21.60, from $148.50 to [...]
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the amounts taxpayers of different ages can deduct from their 2022 income as a result of buying long-term care insurance, and the figures are [...]
While it is preferable to conduct long-term care planning well in advance of needing care, if you haven’t planned ahead, there are some strategies available to avoid spending all your assets.
A power of attorney may seem like a simple document, but there are several important decisions that need to be made when creating one.
If you have close relatives who are citizens of another country, you might receive a gift or inheritance from them at some point. While you usually do not have to pay taxes to the IRS for [...]
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are an important tool for small business owners, but they can also be useful in estate planning. An LLC can help you pass assets to your children while [...]
While you likely have the best of intentions regarding how you want your estate distributed when you die or your affairs handled should you become incapacitated, without proper planning your [...]
Many families will eventually have to hire a caregiver to look after an aging relative. There are two main ways to hire someone: directly or through a home health [...]
Individuals who are researching nursing homes can now see staff and resident vaccination rates along with other quality and safety measure information at Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare [...]
Rising inflation due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic means that in 2022, Social Security benefits will go up 5.9 percent, the sharpest upsurge since 1983.
You aren't technically required to hire a lawyer to draft a will, but failing to do so could lead to costly problems for your family and other heirs.
For a variety of reasons, people sometimes want some or all of their assets to pass directly to specific individuals upon their deaths, outside of probate. POD and TOD accounts are one way to [...]
When interest rates are low, intrafamily loans can be a good way to assist children with purchasing a house or a family business, and in certain circumstances they can be used to gift money to [...]
In the event you lose your house in a natural disaster or through another calamity, it is important that your estate planning and other important documents are beyond reach and easily [...]
All older Americans are vulnerable to financial abuse, but there are circumstances that make someone more likely to be scammed. An online survey can help older adults assess their risk of [...]
Every year during Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, Medicare gives beneficiaries a window of opportunity to shop around and determine if their [...]
The Social Security trustees are projecting that the Social Security trust fund will be depleted in 2033 -- one year earlier than the previous estimates. Once the fund is depleted, Social [...]
When most of a couple's income is in the name of the spouse who is receiving Medicaid, the spouse remaining in the community may wonder what he or she will live on. Medicaid has created some [...]
When you need someone else to care for money or property on your behalf, that person (or organization) is called a fiduciary.
Marriage is supposed to be “until death do us part,” but after one spouse dies, is it possible to have the marriage annulled? It can be done, but only in certain circumstances.
A number of tax proposals being considered in Congress could significantly affect gifting and estate plans for people with with larger estates -- over $3.5 million.
It is important to get any agreements about inheritance in writing. Providing services to someone does not automatically entitle you to a portion of their estate.
Studies have found that workers overestimate how much they will receive in Social Security benefits when they retire. Having a good understanding of the realities can help you plan for [...]
The federal government can grant “waivers” to states allowing them to expand Medicaid to include home and community-based services. The downside is that states can limit home care and the wait [...]
If you are experiencing problems with your nursing home that can't be resolved within the nursing home, your next step is to contact the local ombudsman assigned to the nursing home.
In most states, anyone interested in the well-being of an individual who may be incapacitated – called the “proposed ward” -- can request a guardianship for that person.
When a person declares bankruptcy, an individual retirement account (IRA) is one of the assets that is beyond the reach of creditors, but what about an IRA that has been inherited?
Being asked to serve as the trustee of the trust of a family member is a great honor. But being a trustee is also a heavy responsibility. Here are six questions to ask before saying "yes."
While the current estate tax exemption is quite high, a closely held family business may put your estate over the limit. Careful planning is necessary to lower or completely avoid the tax, and [...]
Most people want to pass their assets to their children or grandchildren, but naming a minor as a beneficiary can have unintended consequences. It is important to make a plan that doesn’t [...]
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that has the potential to affect anyone who receives government assistance with their medical care following a disabling injury that results in [...]
Britney Spears’s struggle to regain control over her business and personal life shines a spotlight on legal guardianship and alternatives that involve less loss of control over one's life.
In order to be eligible for Medicaid benefits a nursing home resident may have no more than $2,000 in "countable" assets (the figure may be somewhat higher in some states).
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 [...]
Do you have a will? A durable power of attorney? A health care proxy? If not, why not? Failure to create an estate plan risks causing discord in your family for generations to come.
More and more of the music, movies, and books we own exist only online, in digital form. What happens to these collections after the owner's death? You may be surprised at the answer.
Directed trusts can be a useful estate planning tool, allowing you to place your family’s assets in a trust but benefit from the expertise of an advisor who knows more about the handling of [...]
Passing assets to your grandchildren can be a great way to ensure their future is provided for, and a generation-skipping trust can help you accomplish this goal while reducing estate taxes [...]
Medicare prescription drug plans can have a coverage gap—called the "donut hole"--which limits how much Medicare will pay for your drugs until you pay a certain amount out of pocket.
Thousands of SSI recipients have been falsely accused of owning real estate because of the Social Security Administration’s reliance on a private database that is “riddled with errors,” [...]
Qualifying for Medicare hardly means free health care -- there are still premiums and deductibles. However, people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (called “dual eligibility”) [...]
One of the greatest fears of older Americans is that they may end up in a nursing home. This not only means a great loss of personal autonomy, but also a tremendous financial price. Careful [...]
If you are caring for a loved one at home, you may need to rent a hospital bed. Here are the ins and outs of hospital bed rentals.
The one-year deadline for nursing home residents on Medicaid to spend down their first round of stimulus checks is here, but they may have a little extra time.
The IRS has announced that the tax deduction for medical expenses includes amounts spent on face masks, sanitizer and other products purchased to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
For many Medicaid applicants, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are one of their biggest assets. If you do not plan properly, IRAs can count as an available asset and affect Medicaid [...]
My dad is in a nursing home and qualified for Medicaid nearly three years ago. My mom still lives in their home in Pennsylvania. The [...]
In a profanity-laced episode of his HBO show that is by turns hilarious and deeply disturbing, comedian John Oliver delivers one of his trademark rants, this one exposing the “abuse and [...]
For better and for worse, Medicaid is the primary method of paying for nursing home care in the United States. But navigating the Medicaid system is complicated and confusing. Here are the [...]
President Biden has signed the latest COVID-19 relief bill, which in addition to authorizing stimulus checks, funding vaccine distribution, and extending unemployment benefits, also provides [...]
An elder law attorney suggested the purchase of a vehicle as a way to protect some of my grandma’s assets. While this would be [...]
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued new guidance on whether families can visit loved ones in nursing homes. The guidance allows indoor visitation even when the resident [...]
In recent years a number of non-lawyers have started businesses offering Medicaid planning services to seniors. While using one of these services may be cheaper than hiring a lawyer, the [...]
Increasingly, several generations of American families are living together. These multi-generational living arrangements present legal and financial challenges around home ownership.
Long-term care costs can add up quickly. For veterans and the surviving spouses of veterans who need in-home care or are in a nursing home, help may be available.
Medicare is not free; there are premiums and deductibles. If you don't qualify for Medicaid and can't afford a Medigap policy, you may be able to get help paying for the costs of Medicare.
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 [...]
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 [...]
Any complete estate plan should include a medical directive, which can encompass a number of different documents.
Medicaid planning can be a difficult and confusing process. Getting assistance from a qualified attorney will help you avoid these common mistakes.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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."
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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.
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]
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
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 [...]
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 [...]
The Social Security Administration has announced a 1.3 percent rise in benefits in 2021, an increase even smaller than last year’s.
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.
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.
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. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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.
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]
We here at Ergood Law feel that it is important to have the right protection in place so you can always help your child.
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 [...]
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.
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.
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?
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
With coronavirus dominating news coverage and creating alarm, it is important to know that Medicare and Medicaid will cover tests for the virus.
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]
The basic Medicaid rule for nursing home residents is that they must pay all of their income, minus certain deductions, to the nursing home.
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.
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.”
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Medicare does not offer much in the way of dental benefits, but advocates for Medicare beneficiaries are arguing for that to change.
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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.
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.
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 [...]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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."
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) [...]
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.
Here are some issues grandparents should consider before making gifts to grandchildren or other family members.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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..
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 [...]
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 [...]
With the aging population becoming increasingly tech savvy, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has moved a lot of services online. From applying for Social Security benefits to replacing [...]
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is increasing the amount taxpayers can deduct from their 2019 income as a result of buying long-term care insurance.
You are turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare, but as a healthy senior do you really need to also sign up for Medicare's supplemental coverage? Not signing up initially can be very costly [...]
Technological advances have made it easier to stay connected with loved ones all the time. This has included the ability to install cameras in a loved one's nursing home room. These [...]
Hospital patients who need additional care after being discharged from the hospital are usually sent to either an inpatient rehabilitation facility or a skilled nursing facility. Although [...]
Article written by the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys The new tax law doubled the amount that can be passed free of federal estate taxation, at least through 2025. In 2018, [...]
The median cost of a private nursing home room in the United States increased to $100,375 a year in 2018, up 3 percent from 2017, according to Genworth's [...]
Do you have the right Medicare plan? It is fall, which means it is time to think about whether your current plan is still giving you [...]
Trusts designed to aid a person with special needs are commonly known as "special needs trusts." There are three main types of special needs trusts: the first-party trust, the [...]
When one sibling is named in a power of attorney, there is the potential for disputes with other siblings. No matter which side you [...]
If you have it to give, you certainly can, but there may be consequences should you apply for Medicaid long-term care coverage within [...]
The Department of Veterans Affairs has finalized new rules that make it more difficult to qualify for long-term care benefits. The rules establish an asset limit and asset transfer penalties [...]
Often, people think estate planning is just for those who are elderly. While the elderly certainly need estate planning, estate planning is for anyone who cares what happens to them, their stuff, [...]
Medigap premiums can vary widely depending on the insurance company, according to a new study, so be sure to shop around before [...]
According to court documents, legendary singer Aretha Franklin did not have a will when she died, opening up her estate to public scrutiny and unnecessary costs and uncertainty.
How much you need for retirement depends a great deal on how long you expect to live. There are now many Web-based calculators that can give you an idea of your life expectancy.
There are many good reasons to use trusts. Trusts avoid the probate process, which is a public process to change title of assets from the deceased person to the new recipient. Trusts may be [...]
The older you get, the harder it is to qualify for long-term care insurance. If you are interested in buying this insurance, it is [...]
A family's fear of losing their home to Medicaid may have contributed to a severe case of elder abuse. If they had [...]
Medicare is proposing a new flat rate reimbursement system for doctors who treat Medicare patients. Some worry that the plan may cause fewer doctors to accept Medicare.
The federal government has begun mailing new Medicare cards to 59 million Americans. You should keep track of when your new card will arrive and contact Medicare if you don't receive it.
Medicare is extending its offer of relief from penalties for certain Medicare beneficiaries who failed to sign up for Medicare Part B because they had coverage through the individual insurance [...]
There are two main types of employee retirement savings plans: the traditional 401(k) and the Roth 401(k). Distributions from a Roth 401(k) are usually tax-free, but there is a [...]
Although a nursing home cannot require a child to be personally liable for their parent's nursing home bill, there are circumstances in which children can end up having to pay.
Arizona and Florida are the latest states to request a waiver from the requirement that states provide three months of retroactive Medicaid coverage to eligible Medicaid recipients.
Figuring out how much to save for retirement and when you can safely stop working can be difficult. A growing number of online retirement calculators, many of them free, are available to help.
Medicare is mandated to cover your home health benefits with no limit on the time you are covered. Unfortunately, few Medicare beneficiaries get the full level of service to which they are [...]
New rules have been put in place to protect seniors from with brokerage accounts from financial scams that could drain the accounts before anyone notices.
A new study has found that people enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan were more likely to enter a lower-quality nursing home than were people in traditional Medicare.
If your Medicare drug plan denies coverage for a drug you need, you don't have to simply accept it. There are several steps you can take to fight the decision.
A long-term care policyholder has successfully sued her insurance company for breach of contract after the company raised her premiums.
The choice of beneficiary for IRA, SEP, 401(k) or other retirement plans can have significant tax implications. Here are some of the rules and concerns when designating [...]
The federal government is issuing new Medicare cards to all Medicare beneficiaries. To prevent fraud and fight identity theft, the new cards will no longer have Social Security numbers on them.
Medicaid law imposes a penalty period if you transferred assets within five years of applying, but what if the transfers had nothing to do with Medicaid? How do you prove you made the [...]
A new federal law is designed to address the growing problem of elder abuse. The law supports efforts to better understand, prevent, and combat both financial and physical elder abuse.
Long-term care insurance policyholders were dealt a blow by the Oregon Supreme Court when it ruled that the state's elder financial abuse statute does not apply to their case.
The government is spending billions to fund assisted living services through Medicaid, but government oversight and regulation of assisted living facilities is lacking, according to a new [...]
Are you ready for old age? An essential and empowering book addresses the important issues and directs readers to a myriad of resources to help [...]
Older parents are becoming more common, driven in part by changing cultural mores and surrogate motherhood. Steve Martin, Billy Joel, and Janet Jackson are some examples. But [...]
Medicare is supposed to provide up to 35 hours a week of home care to those who qualify, but many Medicare patients with chronic conditions are being wrongly denied such care.
While long-term care insurance costs are up in general, some policies are going down in 2018, according to the 2018 Long Term Care Insurance Price Index, an annual report from the American [...]
A nursing home closure can be traumatic for residents who are forced to move. Although there may not be much that can be done to prevent a closure, residents do have some rights.
While most of the new tax law has to do with reducing the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, some provisions relate to individual taxpayers, including changes to the estate tax [...]
The legal wing of the AARP is suing a California nursing home that refused to readmit a resident whom the nursing home had sent to the hospital. The nursing home's actions are part of [...]
If you will soon turn 65 and be applying for Medicare, you should carefully consider which Medigap policy to enroll in because two of the most popular plans will be ending soon.
Patients looking for hospice care can now get help from Medicare’s website. The agency’s new Hospice Compare site allows patients to evaluate hospice providers according to [...]
After staying the same for five years, the amount you can give away to any one individual in a particular year without reporting the gift will increase in 2018. Very few taxpayers [...]
The announcement of the 2018 Medicare premium is good news for some beneficiaries and bad news for many others.
You may be afraid of losing your home if you have to enter a nursing home and apply for Medicaid. While this fear is well-founded, transferring the home to your children is usually not the [...]
Serious problems with the public guardianship system in the United States can lead to elder abuse, according to an in-depth article in The New Yorker.
The main purpose of a will is to direct where your assets will go after you die, but it can also be used to instruct your heirs how to pay money that you owe.
Whether your spouse has just passed away or you have lost your mom or dad, the emotional trauma of losing a loved one often comes with a bewildering array of financial and legal issues [...]
While it is illegal for a nursing home to discriminate against a Medicaid recipient, it still happens. To prevent such discrimination, nursing home residents and their families need to know [...]
In 2018, Social Security recipients will get their largest cost of living increase in benefits since 2012, but the additional income will likely be largely eaten up by higher Medicare Part B [...]
The recent tragedy in which 12 Florida nursing home residents died when the facility lost power during Hurricane Irma is causing government officials to rethink disaster planning.
The median cost of a private nursing home room in the United States has increased to $97,455 a year, up 5.5 percent from 2016, according to Genworth's 2017 Cost of Care survey.
Are you happy with your current Medicare plan or plans? Now is the time to think about whether you are in the right plan or whether a new plan could save you money.
What happens if you are a high-income Medicare beneficiary who is paying a surcharge on your premiums and then your income changes? If your circumstances change, you can reverse those [...]
Online bill paying has become a popular way to make paying bills easier, and now you can pay your Medicare premiums online too.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced changes to the federal reverse mortgage program that will raise reverse mortgage fees for some borrowers and lower the [...]
Grandparents may be tempted to leave an IRA to a grandchild because children have a low tax rate, but the "kiddie tax" could make doing this less beneficial.
An attorney can help you save money in the long run as well as make sure you are getting the best care for your loved one.
In addition to helping your family after your death, a prepaid funeral contract can be a good way to spend down assets in order to qualify for Medicaid.
Many health care providers are still not aware that Medicare is required to cover skilled nursing and home care even if a patient is not showing improvement.
A new report finds that states have made incremental improvements in providing long-term care, but need to make more improvements in order to meet the needs of the growing number of people who [...]
Medicare benefits start at age 65, but many people continue working past that age, either by choice or need. It is important to understand how Medicare and employer coverage work together.
Medicare is offering relief from penalties for certain Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare Part A and had coverage through the individual marketplace.
Sometimes seniors find themselves owing past-due federal taxes they cannot afford to pay. Although notices from the IRS can be especially frightening, there are solutions.
When your child reaches the age of 18, you no longer have the same level of access to or authority over his or her financial, educational and medical information. You may even be unable [...]
All hospitals must now give Medicare recipients notice when they have not been admitted but are merely under "observation" status. The notice requirement is part of a law enacted in 2015 but [...]
Giving your house to your children can have tax consequences, but there are ways to accomplish it tax-free. The best method to use will depend on your individual circumstances and needs.
With Republicans in control of Congress and the presidency, there is talk of eliminating the federal estate tax, which in 2017 affects estates over $5.49 million. This begs the question: With [...]
Saying that there has been "undue influence" is often used as a reason to contest a will or estate plan, but what does it mean?
An increasingly popular hybrid product combines life insurance with long-term care coverage and offers buyers solutions to a number of problems that have kept people from buying traditional [...]
A recent New Jersey appeals court case demonstrates how important it is for families to come up with a long-term care plan before an emergency strikes.
Americans are misinformed about many aspects of Social Security, and local Social Security offices may not be helping, according to a study by the Government Accountability Office.
A little-known insurance option can be an answer for some people who might need care but are unable to buy long-term care insurance.
In a move that could be confusing to seniors who are vulnerable to scams, the IRS will begin using private debt collection agencies to collect past-due taxes.
For this reason, Medicare imposes fairly significant late-enrollment penalties for those who postpone signing up. To encourage everyone to sign up when they first become eligible, the [...]
Immediate annuities can be a useful tool to protect the spouse of a nursing home resident who applies for Medicaid.
A new book suggests that planning for elder care and a loved one's death are especially important for today's complex modern families.
When hiring a caregiver, it is important to put the contract in writing. If you don't it can affect your Medicaid benefits.
Charitable Lead Trusts offer a great mechanism for using your accumulated wealth to benefit BOTH your favorite church or qualified charity and your desired family members or heirs. Essentially, [...]
Medicaid has strict asset rules that compel many applicants to "spend down" their assets before they can qualify for coverage. It is important to know what you can spend your money on without [...]
Caring for an elderly parent can be stressful for families. Siblings may disagree over how to provide care or where a parent will live, and these squabbles can end up costing the family [...]
If you own property in more than one state, you need to do some planning if you want to keep your heirs from having to go through probate in each of the states.