A power of attorney (POA) is a legal agreement that gives a person (agent) the ability to act on behalf of another person (principal). A common question asked about POAs is under what circumstances a person can override them. POAs can be overridden. However, the “who” and “how” depends on whet...
Every three months, those with original Medicare receive a claims statement called a Medicare Summary Notice. As Medicare.gov explains, this notification describes all the services or supplies that providers or suppliers attributed to Medicare during the preceding three months. The document sh...
Yes. Any account in your husband's name will have to stay below $2,000, so it's necessary to separate your own funds.
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan but would like to make a change, you can likely take advantage of the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. This Open Enrollment Period occurs each year between January 1 and March 31. What Is Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage? Medicare is a...
Probably, yes. While the contract may not permit involuntary transfers, it probably also requires payment. Absent payment by Medicaid or another source, it probably can discharge and move your mother. However, to be sure, you will need to consult with an elder law attorney or resident advocacy o...
According to a recent national study, nearly a quarter of Americans aged 50 and older say they – or a loved one – needed long-term care in 2022. The findings further suggest that seniors and their caregivers could benefit from more consumer-friendly information and guidance about long-term care...
The person you name as your executor will be accountable for a number of important tasks, even in managing the administration of a small estate. This may include filing tax returns, keeping meticulous records, and distributing assets to your beneficiaries. At the same time, there are rules abo...
Are you a taxpayer who has purchased long-term care insurance (LTCI)? Take note of your policy details and your premium amount, as you may be able to deduct the cost – or at least part of it – from your 2023 income. If your total eligible medical expenses (including your LTCI policy premium) f...
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. The bill, which runs more than 4,000 pages and includes a wide variety of legislation, heads to President Biden next for his signoff. Here is a brea...
Congress established the Medicaid Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program to provide states with federal funding to help seniors who are receiving care in institutions but want to live at home. However, it is not a permanent program and is due to expire in September 2023. Advocates are pushing for...
If we have learned anything these past few years, it's that life is fleeting. Amid such uncertain times, many of us have realized what – and who – truly means the most to us. Estate planning allows you to reflect on your family, your priorities, and what actions you can take now to secure your f...
It has been a tumultuous few years. Amid a continuing pandemic, tense midterm elections, and a war in Ukraine, we have grappled with more than our fair share of grim news. However, with the new year upon us, there are some silver linings — in particular for seniors. Here are five reasons for se...
Recent news stories may have made you aware of the “step-up in basis” and the current administration's desire to eliminate or adjust it. If you are considering engaging in estate planning or you may be inheriting assets, it is important to understand what the step-up in basis is and how it may a...
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 May 2020 and February 2021. A government watchdog's newly released repor...
For people who rely on multiple medications, the expenses accumulate. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, eight out of 10 adults say prescription medication costs are unreasonable. Three in 10 adults on four or more drugs report difficulty affording them and say they had skipped or reduced...
Yuletide is just around the corner. They say it's the most wonderful time of the year. However, you should take care of yourself during the holiday, especially if you are a senior. Proper nutrition is key to maintaining good health. This is especially true during the holiday when there are many ...
“Decedent” is a legal term that refers to a person who has died with unsatisfied legal obligations. At the end of their life, a decedent has some legal duties that must be fulfilled through a representative. For example, decedents remain obligated to satisfy certain debts incurred during their l...
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 to receive dental care and operations related ...
Many older adults face difficulties accessing and preparing meals. Yet eating a nutritious diet is essential for maintaining health, particularly as we age. For those with barriers getting to the grocery store and preparing food, meal delivery services can help. Meal delivery can support individ...
No. Just one car is noncountable. However, if one of them is really cheap, maybe it will fall within the countable asset limit.
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 wealth by giving a trustee instructions for distributing their proper...
Recent findings show an information gap among Medicaid recipients regarding the need to re-enroll for benefits after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends. Medicaid recipients are inconsistently informed about the end of the PHE and its effect on their health insurance benefits in terms...
A charitable lead annuity trust (CLAT) is an estate planning tool whereby a person (grantor) creates a trust that initially benefits a charitable organization, foundation, or other qualifying entity for a defined period. After this time ends, the CLAT's remaining assets are distributed to non-ch...
Assets. But check with your local Medicaid agency or a local elder law attorney to be certain. Sometimes there are local rules that differ from the standard ones.
Yes, to the extent they exceed 7.5 percent of your mother's adjusted gross income and are for care under a plan provided by a licensed health care provider. Check out this article for more information.
Affiliations
