Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 25, 2022 |
It depends on the value of the car and your state's Medicaid program. It's not an issue at all with respect to Medicare. But your Medicaid program may limit your savings to $2,000. If the sale of the car pushes your account over that limit, you might become ineligible for Medicaid until the funds...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 25, 2022 |
This is one of those gray areas about which we get a lot of questions. As agent for your father under the durable power of attorney, your sister has the power to make financial and legal decisions on his behalf.
However, visitation is more of a personal than a financial or legal decision. You don...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 25, 2022 |
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 fee on individuals who defer Part D enrollment.
If you opt not sign up for Part D d...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 25, 2022 |
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly payment issued to disabled children and adults who have income and resources that are under an amount set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). There are many important factors that determine your eligibility for SSI. SSI recipients are respo...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 25, 2022 |
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 2025.
As alternatives to traditional Medicar...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 19, 2022 |
November will mark National Family Caregivers month. Studies show that looking after those with special needs exacts a toll on caregivers. This Thanksgiving season, shift your focus a little and remember that you must take care of yourself if you want to continue caring for others.
As the saying ...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 19, 2022 |
November will mark National Family Caregivers Month. You may have a caregiver in your life to whom you wish to bestow your gratitude by designating them as an heir in your estate plan. Whether your caregiver is your own child — or a niece, nephew, grandchild, godchild, stepchild, or even a caregi...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 19, 2022 |
November will mark National Family Caregivers Month. Today, roughly 3 million children reside with grandparents who have committed to being their primary caregivers, according to Pew Research Center estimates.
Grandparents may step in when the child's parents can no longer take care of the child...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 18, 2022 |
Estrangement refers to a breakdown in a relationship, such as a relationship with a spouse or family member, where there is no longer any communication, or communication has become hostile, and the individuals lead separate lives. Although estrangement can significantly impact individuals' lives,...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 18, 2022 |
For some people with disabilities, a guardianship or conservatorship would be overly restrictive.
Supported decision-making can be an alternative to unnecessary guardianships. It allows disabled people to get assistance with decisions while retaining autonomy. In supported decision-making, trust...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 18, 2022 |
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.
Traditional Medicare's Strengths ...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 18, 2022 |
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 cognitive decline that you may not expect.
Having poor or...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 13, 2022 |
Choosing the correct home care provider for your aging parents is a huge responsibility. This person will be looking after the needs of those who taught you to walk, talk, and care for yourself. To ensure your parents are well cared for in their golden years, consider the following as you seek ou...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 12, 2022 |
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 with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all been reminded about life's fragility.
When you are faced wi...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 11, 2022 |
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 burial.
If you are seeking to lay your loved one to rest in a nontraditional way, the follow...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 08, 2022 |
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 finances. In some cases, guardians may wish to move their ward — someone whom a cou...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 06, 2022 |
Medicare Savings Programs help people with disabilities obtain assistance from their state in covering their Medicare costs. The Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals Program (QDWI) is one such Medicare Savings Program. It helps disabled, low-income individuals who want to return to work con...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 06, 2022 |
If you are planning to leave an investment property to loved ones, a 1031 exchange may be a helpful estate planning tool for you. Because these exchanges allow you to defer taxes or limit taxes owed at the time of a sale, you can use the money that would have been spent on taxes to increase your ...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 06, 2022 |
Care facility closures are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in rural areas, and can significantly impact residents' lives. People who have called a place home for several years might lose a sense of community when their care facility shuts its doors. Individuals in establishments close...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 06, 2022 |
From plantar fasciitis to varicose veins, there are numerous bothersome ailments that can crop up and cause chronic foot or leg pain or related issues. For Medicare to cover the costs of addressing these types of health conditions, a physician typically must first deem such treatment medically ne...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 05, 2022 |
A power of attorney is a document that grants various powers and responsibilities to a trusted third party or “agent” who can act on your behalf. This document usually only allows an agent to make non-medical decisions on your behalf. A power of attorney can be a valuable planning tool that lets ...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 05, 2022 |
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 will can place a significant burden on your children and cause undesirable complications. Even if d...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 04, 2022 |
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 your own decisions. Fortunately, receiving a diagnosis of dementia or...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 04, 2022 |
If you are a high-net-worth individual, it's essential to have a comprehensive estate plan in place. However, every family's circumstances are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for estate planning.
Below are five estate planning strategies that may be right for you:
1. Make Sure...
Posted by Laura E. Stubberud | Oct 01, 2022 |
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...