Elder Law

1511, 2024

What Is IRMAA and How Does It Affect Medicare Premiums

As we near retirement, we may assume that once Medicare kicks in, our medical insurance premiums will be fixed. However, many people may not realize that there are special rules regarding how much they pay [...]

1511, 2024

Medicare Part A and B Costs to Rise Again in 2025

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the 2025 figures for Medicare. As in 2024, these health care costs are going up across the board. Medicare Part B Changes for 2025 Medicare [...]

1011, 2024

Exploring New Treatments for Dementia Without Medication

Along with our increasing population of adults over 65 is the growing occurrence of dementia. Dementia can be caused by various diseases or conditions and affects a person’s memory and other cognitive abilities to the [...]

411, 2024

Virtual Reality and Palliative Care

You’re walking along a coastline where forest meets sea. You hear the rhythm of crashing waves and see gulls swooping down from a crystal blue sky. A light breeze ruffles your jacket. You take a [...]

1609, 2024

Who Needs a Trust Instead of a Will?

Creating an estate plan can protect your loved ones and establish your legacy. With an estate plan, you can provide for your loved ones after your death, transferring to them such assets as your home, [...]

2608, 2024

Elder Financial Abuse by Family Caregivers

As life expectancy increases and the global population of seniors is projected to surpass 1.5 billion by 2050, the need to protect older adults will become increasingly vital. Older adults lose an estimated $20 billion [...]

2507, 2024

Medicare Is Not The Same As Medicaid

If you are approaching retirement, you may worry about paying for medical expenses once you leave the workforce. The good news is the United States has a health insurance program for individuals 65 and older. [...]

1907, 2024

Nursing Home Eviction After You’ve Been in the Hospital

Nursing home evictions are a significant problem in the United States. Between staffing issues and the rising need for long-term care services, overburdened facilities often attempt to evict residents for the wrong reasons. Many people, [...]

1507, 2024

Report Shows Spectrum of Needs Among Older Americans

Understanding the nation’s latest data on older adults can aid policymakers and advocates for those 65 and older in responding more effectively to this population’s unique needs, while also helping seniors and their families plan [...]

2806, 2024

Don’t Forget to Fund Your Revocable Trust

Revocable trusts are a very popular and useful estate planning tool. But the trust will be ineffective if you do not actually place your assets in the trust. Revocable trusts are an effective way to avoid [...]

606, 2024

The Costs of the Rising Cost of Long-Term Care

Do you have a family member who is receiving some form of long-term care? If you don’t, the chances are good that someday you will – and that day may not be too far away. [...]

1504, 2024

Elder Financial Abuse: How an Elder Law Attorney Can Help

Elder financial abuse is a significant issue affecting many older adults nationwide. It involves someone exploiting or misusing an older person’s finances or assets for personal gain. Often, the perpetrator is in a position of [...]

1104, 2024

How Social Security Overpayment Rules Are Changing

With a new commissioner at the helm, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been announcing several policy changes in recent weeks. In late March 2024, the SSA issued news regarding the way it handles overpayments to Social Security [...]

504, 2024

The Loneliness Epidemic: Helping Seniors Stay Connected

In recent years, researchers have been finding potential links between feelings of loneliness and negative health outcomes. Feeling lonely may put you at greater risk of premature death, serious health problems, and higher suicide rates. For [...]

1803, 2024

Survey Highlights High Costs of Long-Term Care in 2023

You may not foresee ever needing assistance with your day-to-day life. However, research shows that seven in 10 adults aged 65 and older will require long-term care at some point in their later years. Meanwhile, [...]

1403, 2024

11 Questions to Ask an Elder Law Attorney

Elder law encompasses a wide range of legal matters that affect older individuals. Attorneys who practice elder law advocate for seniors and execute legal plans to assist them in living better lives. Their expertise may [...]

303, 2024

HUD Housing Programs That Support Aging in Place

Ninety-three percent of adults 55 and older want to remain in their homes as they age, according to U.S. News & World Report. “Aging in place” involves growing old comfortably and safely in one’s dwelling. As adults [...]

103, 2024

Older Adults Are Failing at Retirement Planning, Study Shows

Research by the American College of Financial Services sheds light on the need for improvements in retirement financial literacy. The 2023 Retirement Income Literacy Study revealed that most adults ages 50 to 75 lack knowledge about retirement [...]

2302, 2024

Medicaid Spend Down: Pay for More Than Just Medical Bills

Since the 1960s, Medicaid has provided health care coverage for low-income people across the United States. For millions of seniors, Medicaid offers financial assistance, helping them to cover the cost of long-term care services. Today, this [...]

1802, 2024

A Patient Advocate Can Support Your Health Care Journey

More than 70 percent of adults in the U.S. report being dissatisfied with the health care system, according to TIME Magazine. Navigating the medical services network can be stressful and overwhelming, particularly for older adults facing [...]

2201, 2024

Avoiding Property Tax Foreclosures for Older Adults

If you are a homeowner who is falling behind on your real estate taxes, you may end up facing foreclosure on your property. Because your property taxes hinge on the value of your property, you [...]

3112, 2023

Are You a Family Caregiver? New Bill Seeks to Lower Costs

Recently proposed legislation seeks to offer financial relief for unpaid family caregivers. Introduced in November 2023, the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act of 2023 is the result of a bipartisan effort to lessen the costs of family [...]

2812, 2023

How the Housing Crisis Affects Older Adults

Americans are not only living longer, but the number of people aged 65 and older is also growing. It’s a trend that will continue over the next decade. Longevity among seniors raises major questions, including [...]

3010, 2023

What Is the Lifeline Program?

The Lifeline Program is a federal program that works to lower the cost of phone and internet services for low-income American households. The Lifeline Program can certainly benefit an older person living on a fixed [...]

2010, 2023

What Is Elder Abuse? Elder Law Q&A

Ten percent of adults 65 and older experience elder abuse each year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Elder abuse happens when a caregiver or another trusted individual causes physical, mental, or financial harm to [...]

2909, 2023

What Does Incapacitated Mean in Elder Law & Estate Planning?

When working with an attorney to prepare for your future and address the challenges associated with aging, you will likely come across the term “incapacitated.” Incapacitated Definition Someone who is incapacitated cannot make personal decisions [...]

2508, 2023

Selling Your Life Insurance Policy to Help Cover Expenses

The National Council on Aging reports that more than 16.5 million adults 65 and older experience economic insecurity, with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Rising housing and health care bills can burden seniors [...]

708, 2023

Home Health Services Underutilized by Seniors, Study Shows

Health Affairs estimates that 4 million older adults can only leave their homes with assistance, making accessing care challenging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1.3 million Americans receive care in nursing homes. According [...]

1205, 2023

Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference?

Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are long-term housing and care options for older adults. Although people sometimes use the terms assisted living and nursing home synonymously, they are distinct. Understanding the differences between assisted [...]

2804, 2023

Is “Aging in Place” Right for Me?

Most older adults want to remain in their homes and communities as they age rather than move into assisted living facilities or nursing homes. For those who wish to maintain their independence and continue living [...]

1102, 2023

IRS: You Can Contribute More to Retirement Starting in 2023

In October 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced contribution limitation adjustments for employee retirement plans in response to inflation. The IRS issued Notice 2022-55, which describes cost-of-living adjustments for retirement and pension plans. The changes [...]

1002, 2023

Study Names Factors in Severest Nursing Home COVID Outbreaks

Early on in the pandemic, nursing homes across the country found themselves at its devastating bull’s eye, with residents and staff of these facilities making up roughly 30 percent of all COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. between [...]

302, 2023

What Not to Include in Your Will

If you are considering preparing a will, this is a great first step in planning for the future. After reflecting on the basics, such as whom you want to be in charge of administering your [...]

102, 2023

What Are the Benefits of Having a Testamentary Trust?

There are various benefits to creating a testamentary trust. This article discusses the benefits of adding a testamentary trust to your estate plan. What Is a Testamentary Trust? A testamentary trust allows a testator to manage [...]

3001, 2023

Medicare Will Now Cover Medically Necessary Dental Care

In November 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Medicare coverage will be expanded to include medically necessary dental services. This change in Medicare rules will allow people with life-threatening conditions [...]

2301, 2023

Protecting Spouses of Medicaid Applicants: 2023 Guidelines

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2023 federal guidelines for how much money the spouses of institutionalized Medicaid recipients may keep, as well as related Medicaid figures. What Are Spousal Impoverishment Rules? [...]

2001, 2023

Pros and Cons of a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust

A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is one option a person may consider to protect their assets from Medicaid and nursing homes or long-term care. A MAPT is an irrevocable trust created during your lifetime. [...]

1301, 2023

Will You Lose Your Medicaid Coverage When the Pandemic Ends?

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, the government declared a public health emergency and gave the states the ability to provide more citizens with health insurance through Medicaid. As a result, 25 percent more Americans now have [...]

501, 2023

Ending Guardianship of an Adult

While a guardian can support the protected person by making important decisions, in some cases, an individual may wish to change or dissolve the arrangement. The ward, their family, or other involved people might feel [...]

3012, 2022

Insured Retirees Paying Tens of Thousands for Health Care

It’s no secret that health care remains one of the biggest expenses facing American retirees. Coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, or another insurer will help mitigate these costs to some extent. Yet retirees still tend to [...]

2612, 2022

Protect Yourself From Predatory Medicare Advantage Marketers

The number of people enrolling in Medicare Advantage programs offered through Medicare-approved private companies has increased over time. Based on this trend, more than half of all Medicare recipients may be enrolled in Medicare Advantage programs by [...]

2312, 2022

Avoiding the Medicare Part D Late Enrollment Penalty

Once you become eligible for Medicare, you can enroll in Part D, which helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Some people choose to delay registering for Part D. In some circumstances, Medicare imposes a late [...]

1912, 2022

Comparing Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage

Recent research by the Kaiser Family Foundation examined the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage. While people in either program were similarly satisfied with their care and overall care coordination, some distinctions became apparent. [...]

1612, 2022

6 Possible Risk Factors for Dementia You May Not Expect

More than 55 million people around the world currently suffer from dementia. Advanced age remains the main risk factor for developing dementia. Yet recent studies have uncovered several other potential risk factors for dementia and [...]

1012, 2022

Skilled Nursing Facilities vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference?

Many use the terms “skilled nursing facility” and “nursing home” interchangeably. However, they are separate care facilities. Although skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes sound similar, they have fundamental differences, including the level of medical [...]

912, 2022

Resources to Help With End-of-Life Care

No one wants to think about our death or the death of a loved one. The reality is that death is inevitable, so preparing for end-of-life decisions is essential. Over the past few years, especially [...]

612, 2022

How Seniors Can Prevent Loneliness as They Age

If the years since the COVID-19 pandemic have taught us anything about isolation, it is loneliness makes life much harder. A recent study found that loneliness can not only decrease a person’s quality of life, but in [...]

512, 2022

How Can You Transfer a Guardianship Between States?

When an incapacitated person cannot make personal or financial decisions, state courts may appoint a guardian to assist the individual with determining where to live, what kind of care to receive, or how to manage [...]

1911, 2022

What Is Spousal Impoverishment?

Spousal impoverishment is a concern for older couples when one spouse needs long-term care and applies for Medicaid. If one spouse requires care in a skilled nursing facility and the other remains at home, the [...]

1811, 2022

After a Dementia Diagnosis: Preparing for the Future

A diagnosis of dementia, a category of diseases affecting memory and thinking that includes Alzheimer’s disease, can feel overwhelming and upsetting. You might worry that you will lose control over your life and ability to make [...]

1111, 2022

Savings for Seniors: Lower Medicare Part B Premiums in 2023

For the first time in more than 10 years, Medicare Part B enrollees will see some of their costs decline. In an announcement issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency outlined changes to the [...]

811, 2022

Be Cautious of Generic Health Care Proxy Forms

Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff work hard to care for their patients when they are sick or hurt. However, even when a procedure is done to save a patient’s life, a hospital cannot act without [...]

711, 2022

11 Common Acronyms in Elder Law and Estate Planning

In helping clients prepare for their future, estate planning and elder law attorneys use many acronyms. Understanding some of the common medical and legal terms in this field can give you added confidence in your [...]

411, 2022

Medicare’s Telehealth Coverage Has Expanded Due to Pandemic

Before the pandemic, few people receiving Medicare used telehealth services, which allow patients to connect with providers through the internet. A telehealth appointment is a real-time, full-service visit with a health care professional. The critical distinction between [...]

2410, 2022

What Are Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts?

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 than [...]

2110, 2022

Older Americans: Cancel Student Loan Debt

More than 8 million Americans aged 50 and older have billions in outstanding federal student loan debt. Whether you have taken out these loans for yourself or for your family members’ education, several programs are [...]

2010, 2022

What Are Survivor Benefits?

The Social Security Administration provides four types of Social Security benefits: retirement, disability, dependents, and survivor benefits. Survivor benefits are available to the children and spouses of deceased individuals who qualify. If you qualify for [...]

1710, 2022

What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

Dementia is a general term that refers to severe memory loss and problems with thinking, behavior, and social skills that interfere with daily life. According to the National Institutes of Health, this neurological condition affects one [...]

1110, 2022

Alternatives to Traditional Funeral Arrangements

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 alternatives to a traditional funeral service and [...]

810, 2022

How to Know If Your Aging Parents Need Home Care

As our parents get older, we must make tough decisions regarding their health care. It can be hard to know when to bring in professional support in the form of home care. Consider the following [...]

710, 2022

How Long Should I Hold on to Important Documents?

It is hard to know what documents to trash and when. Before you know it, your spare room, office, basement, or garage is overflowing with boxes of papers that all seem important. Trying to weed [...]

310, 2022

Estate Planning After Divorce

So, you’re officially divorced. In starting this new chapter of life, you should update your estate planning documents as soon as possible. You may no longer be legally married, but divorce does not automatically remove [...]

2909, 2022

How Does Telehealth Work, and What Are the Benefits?

Telehealth allows you to connect with your health care provider virtually and have an appointment without going to a physical location. You can share information about your health concerns through telemedicine and receive professional opinions [...]

2709, 2022

Aging-in-Place Funds to Benefit Low-Income Senior Homeowners

The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) has announced that $15 million in funding will be newly available for a program aimed at helping low-income seniors continue living safely in their homes instead of needing [...]

1909, 2022

Who Are Parties to an Estate?

When people pass away, their assets go through probate — a legal process that distributes the person’s assets after death. The parties to an estate are the people involved in the probate process. Although not [...]

1609, 2022

No Will? You’re Putting Your Kids at Risk

Many people delay the conversation or thoughts of having to prepare a will. Confronting the possibility of one’s death is not easy. However, as the recent death of Anne Heche shows us, not having a [...]

909, 2022

The FDA Approves Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

On August 17, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids. Devices for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss will be available in October 2022. The FDA’s rule follows President [...]

209, 2022

Miller Trusts Can Help You Qualify for Medicaid

Many seniors find themselves in need of Medicaid to pay for their long-term care but are surprised to learn that their modest monthly income may disqualify them. The reason for this is that Medicaid is [...]

1208, 2022

What Are the Ward’s Rights in a Guardianship?

Older people may need a trusted individual to step in and manage their affairs, should they ever suffer debilitating health problems like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and strokes. Guardianship can provide protection and assistance with certain [...]

808, 2022

When Are Children Eligible for Social Security Benefits?

A child may be eligible for Social Security benefits when at least one parent qualifies for Social Security retirement, disability, or death benefits. Children receive these benefits based on their parent's work records. In 2021, the Social [...]

508, 2022

Do I Need a Professional Patient Advocate?

Individuals experiencing illnesses can benefit from having someone attend appointments with them and support their best interests. Often, close friends or family take on this role. Professional patient advocates, however, can step in when friends [...]

108, 2022

When Is a Nursing Home Eviction Legal, and What Can I Do?

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 law covers all federally funded nursing home residents, nursing home [...]

2207, 2022

What Does “Medicaid Pending” Mean?

With the exorbitant costs of long-term care services, which continue to rise, Medicaid has emerged as an important resource to cover the cost of a nursing home or other long-term care services. So, it can [...]

807, 2022

Five Tips for Starting Retirement Planning in Your 50s

When it comes to retirement planning, many Americans find themselves underprepared. A majority of baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) and Generation X’ers (born between 1965 and 1978) often end up without retirement savings [...]

1006, 2022

How to Get Into a Nursing Home as a Medicaid Recipient

While Medicaid helps pay for nursing home care, getting into a nursing home as a Medicaid recipient is not always easy. There are several ways to navigate the process, depending on your situation. With the median [...]

606, 2022

What Happens When a Nursing Home Closes?

A nursing home closure can be traumatic for residents who are forced to move. While there may not be much that can be done to prevent a closure, residents do have some rights. Moving into [...]

306, 2022

5 Ways Your Will Can Become Useless, Or Close to It

Is having an out-of-date will better than having no will at all? While wills do not have expiration dates, certain changes can render them useless. When this happens, having an out-of-date will can be the [...]

3005, 2022

How to Appeal a Medicare Prescription Drug Denial

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. The insurers offering Medicare drug [...]

605, 2022

How Community Property Affects Estate and Tax Planning

In most states, spouses can purchase and own property separately from one another. However, in certain states – called community property states – if one spouse purchases property, it is considered the property of both [...]

205, 2022

May Someone With Dementia Sign a Will?

Millions of people are affected by dementia, and unfortunately many of them do not have all their estate planning affairs in order before the symptoms start. If you or a loved one has dementia, it [...]

2904, 2022

Who Can Serve as Executor?

One important reason to have a will is to be able to name your executor (also called a personal representative). An executor is the person responsible for managing the administration of your estate after you [...]

2504, 2022

Probate v. Non-Probate: What Is the Difference?

When planning your estate it is important to understand the difference between probate and non-probate assets. Probate is the process through which a court determines how to distribute your property after you die. Some assets [...]

2204, 2022

Why Small Business Owners Need an Estate Plan

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 [...]

1804, 2022

What to Do if Your Medicaid Application Is Denied

If you apply for long-term care assistance through Medicaid and your application is denied, it may feel hopeless. The good news is that you can appeal the decision. Medicaid is a program for low-income individuals, [...]

1104, 2022

When to Leave a Nursing Home and Move Back Home

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 everyone. [...]

804, 2022

Medicare Now Covers the Cost of COVID At-Home Tests

If you have Medicare, you can now receive up to eight free rapid at-home Covid-19 tests a month at participating pharmacies. The free tests are available without a prescription to all Medicare beneficiaries with Part [...]

404, 2022

Claiming Social Security Benefits at Age 70

If you are about to turn 70, congratulations on reaching a big milestone.  And if you also have delayed claiming Social Security retirement benefits up till now, you are joining a select group -- only [...]

104, 2022

Keeping Track of Your Will

Once you've taken the step to create a will and get your estate plan in order, you need to figure out what to do with the will itself. It is important to keep track of [...]

2503, 2022

Can My Family Inherit My Season Tickets?

Sports fans with season tickets may want their families to enjoy the tickets after they are gone but passing on these tickets may not be simple. Getting season tickets to your favorite sport is not always [...]

1803, 2022

How Long Does an Executor’s Job Take?

Being the executor of an estate can be a time-consuming job, depending on the size and complexity of the estate. While a simple estate can take a few months and not require a huge time [...]

1103, 2022

Using a Roth IRA as an Estate Planning Tool

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. Unlike a traditional IRA, contributions to a [...]

403, 2022

When a Non-Grantor Trust Might Be Useful

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 [...]

2502, 2022

What Documents Are Required for a Medicaid Application?

Medicaid applicants must prove that they have limited income and assets in order to be eligible for long-term care services. Before beginning the application process, it is helpful to understand what information you will be [...]

1102, 2022

Medicare to Cover At-Home Covid Tests by ‘Early Spring’

Medicare beneficiaries will soon be eligible to obtain up to eight free rapid at-home Covid-19 tests per month, and, unlike their privately insured counterparts, they won’t have to pay for them upfront, the Biden administration [...]

402, 2022

When Can Someone Be Declared Legally Incompetent?

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. Determining whether someone is incompetent to make [...]

3101, 2022

What to Do About an Unwanted Inheritance

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. Most people who receive an inheritance are [...]

2801, 2022

Medicare Won’t Cover Rapid At-Home Covid Tests

Americans' ability to quickly and easily test for Covid-19 is one of the most important tools for stopping the infection’s spread.  This is why the Biden administration recently announced it is requiring private insurers to [...]

2401, 2022

How Much Can a Trustee Be Compensated?

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 complexity of [...]

301, 2022

Can You Be Buried With Your Pet?

Pets are often regarded as a part of the family and increasingly their needs are accounted for in planning decisions. There is health insurance for pets, and most states allow for “pet trusts” to ensure that [...]

1712, 2021

The Difference Between Elder Law and Estate Planning

Elder law and estate planning serve two different--but equally vital--functions. The main difference is that elder law is focused on preserving your assets during your lifetime, while estate planning concentrates on what happens to your [...]

1012, 2021

What Vaccines Does Medicare Cover?

Vaccines can become less effective over time. Even individuals fully vaccinated as children may need to update their immunizations. Medicare Parts B and D offer vaccination coverage. Medicare Part B covers shots for the flu, [...]

1911, 2021

Medicare Premiums to Increase Dramatically in 2022

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 $170.10 a month. The Centers for Medicare [...]

1907, 2021

You May Be Overestimating Your Social Security Benefits

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 retirement.  Researchers from the University [...]

705, 2021

Can an IRA Affect Medicaid Eligibility?

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 eligibility. Medicaid applicants can have [...]

2604, 2021

Finding the Right Hospital Bed Rental

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 benefit of a hospital bed is [...]

102, 2021

Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums Have Soared in Past Year

Long-term care insurance prices have suddenly skyrocketed by as much as 66 percent in one year, according to the 2021 Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index, an annual report from the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, an industry [...]

3011, 2020

Watch Out for These Potential Problems with Life Estates

Life estates can be an excellent tool for Medicaid planning, probate avoidance and tax efficiency, but there are potential problems to look out for. Knowing the implications and risks of a life estate is essential [...]

1611, 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. The Centers for [...]

1910, 2020

A Modest Social Security Increase for 2021

The Social Security Administration has announced a 1.3 percent increase in benefits in 2021, an increase even smaller than last year’s. Cost-of-living increases are tied to the consumer price index, and a modest upturn in [...]

910, 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 error and [...]

1408, 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 Home [...]

1008, 2020

Social Security’s Benefits for Spouses

Social Security doesn't just pay retirement benefits to retired workers; in some circumstances, it also provides benefits to a worker's spouse or ex-spouse and to a deceased worker's surviving spouse. Here are the ins and [...]

708, 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. High unemployment rates mean Social Security shortfalls could begin [...]

1306, 2020

How the Coronavirus Has Brought Ageism into Stark Relief

With older Americans being most at risk from the COVID-19 coronavirus, the response to the pandemic is highlighting issues of ageism in the United States. According to experts, ageism is evident both in the response [...]

1704, 2020

Where’s My Coronavirus Relief Payment? Well, It Depends.

The centerpiece of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law March 27, 2020, is its one-time $1,200 payments to millions of eligible individuals. When can you expect your [...]

304, 2020

How Does the Coronavirus Relief Bill Affect Seniors?

The $2 trillion economic relief package that Congress passed to help Americans deal with the devastating financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic contains some provisions that affect seniors. In addition to authorizing direct payments to [...]

1603, 2020

Estate Planning When You Live in Two States

Some lucky retirees split their time between two different states. Legally, you do not need separate estate planning documents for each state, but it may make sense from a practical perspective. The Constitution of the [...]

303, 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. The deductions include a $60-a-month personal needs allowance (this amount may [...]

1002, 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. The U.S [...]

2701, 2020

Free Tax Preparation Help Is Available to Most Seniors

Seniors and retirees should know that they may be able to use online tax preparation software free of charge. Most low- and middle-income Americans qualify for the free help, but do not take advantage of [...]

2007, 2018

Choosing and Evaluating a Nursing Home

Can there be a more difficult job than finding a nursing home for a parent or spouse? No one wants to live in a nursing home. They serve as institutions of last resort when it's [...]

2408, 2017

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 due to a mental disability, the court [...]