A new study reveals that 60 percent of family members who were taking care of loved ones with Alzheimer's disease exhibited symptoms of depression that worsened over time. Researchers tracked symptoms of depression in family caregivers from the time when their loved ones were diagnosed with Alzhe...
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 a telehealth visit and a ...
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 premium, deductible, and co-payment amounts for numerous Medicare costs t...
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 approach to planning for your own future or that of your loved ones. 1. AEP (Accredi...
Seniors who have an income above the Medicaid threshold but lack a high enough income to have substantial personal savings are considered “The Forgotten Middle.” These are elders who are more likely to struggle to afford long-term care that may become necessary as they age. According to a recent...
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 $2,000 in assets, however, you may be able to get on Medicaid by establishing a Medicaid Asset Pr...
Even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare coverage, it is still a good idea to review the Annual Notice of Change that Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan members receive each September. In reviewing changes to your current plan or considering other Medicare options for the com...
Many states or localities have adult protective services programs. You can, in effect, “drop a dime” by calling one of them to investigate. Usually you can do so anonymously, though your sister may well put two and two together.
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 currently seeking to assist you through debt cancellation or other relief measure...
Unfortunately, it's too late to gift. Any gift could be penalized by a period of ineligibility for Medicaid benefits. There are a few exceptions to this rule. One is that transfers may be made to a trust for the sole benefit of a disabled individual. If either you or your brother is disabled, you...
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 in seven adults over age 71. Alzheimer's disease is a type ...
Yes, that's fine. Medicaid beneficiaries are permitted to own a car if it's necessary for their transportation.
It's a bit complicated, but the answer is probably no. If your mother is competent, it's up to her who comes to visit her. Even though she's living in your house, as her residence she should have the right to have visitors. If she is not competent, then you have been appointed to make these decis...
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 retirement or disability benefits, yo...
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you — along with roughly 28 million others who rely on this type of coverage — may soon have an easier time obtaining necessary medical care. Currently, patients with Medicare Advantage plans often must seek prior authorization for many medical services. Th...
Over the course of just one year, from 2020 to 2021, nearly 1 million more seniors in the United States found themselves living below the poverty line, according to data in a newly released government report. The U.S. Census Bureau's annual report found that, as of 2021, more than 10 percent of A...
Potentially. Medicaid doesn't exactly “come after” the condo. Instead, it could impose a period of ineligibility for benefits based on an uncompensated transfer of assets. You might argue that the transfer is compensated since your wife lent the money to her mother. The question is whether you ca...
Many people use Google to get information about health care services, including benefits programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Recently, Google announced changes to the search experience for users seeking information about Medicare and Medicaid eligibility and enrollment. The announcement about...
Medicare is federal health insurance for people over 65, some younger people with disabilities, and those with end-stage renal disease. Coverage of housekeeping services under Medicare can depend on several factors. Coverage Under Original Medicare? Medicare is comprised of Part A and Part B cove...
No. Since the house does not belong to your mother, it will not be subject to claim for reimbursement for her cost of care.
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 care they provide. Whereas nursing ...
Probably, but it depends on the state. Some states seek estate recovery only against probate property and others against nonprobate property as well. You will have to consult with a local elder law attorney to be sure.
No. You have to be legally competent to execute a will. Even a guardian or conservator cannot create a will. However, they can create a trust that can substitute for a will. To do so, someone will have to be appointed and then seek court approval for the new estate plan. You might also be able to...
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 as you decide whether your aging parents need home care. What Is Home Care? Home care is professional,...
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 spouse at home might face significant financial hardships. The high costs of nursing ho...
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