The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the premium and deductible increases for 2021. We are going to provide a rundown here, but before we get there, we will explain the Medicare eligibility parameters. Retirement Credits A lot of people think that you automatically qualify for Medicare when you reach the age of 65, but this is not the case. You gain eligibility through the accrual of retirement credits, and you accumulate them when you pay payroll or … [Read more...] about 2021 Medicare Cost Increases at a Glance
Elder Law
Nursing Home Residents Can Keep Stimulus Checks
Before we share an important detail of the CARES Act that you should understand if someone that you love is in a nursing home, we have to share some cold hard facts. You may think that it is unlikely that you will ever require nursing home care, but the statistics tell a different tale. Aging and Long-Term Care The United States Department of Health and Human Services maintains a very informative website called LongTermCare.gov. According to the site, 70 percent of seniors will someday need … [Read more...] about Nursing Home Residents Can Keep Stimulus Checks
Recognize the Importance of Medicaid Planning
If you have never looked into the subject of long-term care and the costs that go along with it, you are about to obtain some very important information. In this blog post, we will explain why Medicaid planning is something that should definitely be on your radar. Limitations of Medicare If you work and pay taxes for at least 10 years, or if your spouse has done this, you will qualify for Medicare when you reach the age of 65 under currently existing laws. This health insurance program for … [Read more...] about Recognize the Importance of Medicaid Planning
A Conversation With an Elder Law Attorney
As elder law attorneys, we speak with a lot of people that are interested in learning about the eventualities of aging from a legal and financial standpoint. This gives us a unique perspective, because we know exactly what most folks are thinking about. With this in mind, we will share a hypothetical conversation between one of our attorneys and an inquisitive client. What specific matters do elder law attorneys address? Elder financial abuse is one of the issues that you should consider when … [Read more...] about A Conversation With an Elder Law Attorney
Holistic Planning Should Start Early
If you speak with elders when you are young and anxious, they will tell you that time may seem to move slowly for a while, but it passes very rapidly when you get older. This is certainly true, and before you know it, you may start to recognize the fact that your retirement years are just over the horizon. Unfortunately, many people do not come to this realization until it is too late to accumulate the resources that they need to retire in comfort. Retirement planning is very important, and … [Read more...] about Holistic Planning Should Start Early
Continuing Legal Education in San Diego
Staying up-to-date is important. That’s especially important in Estate Planning and Elder Law. Academy members attending the semi-annual Academy Summit conference in San Diego learned about the latest developments in Estate Planning and Elder Law. Read on to learn more. Continuing Legal Education in San Diego … [Read more...] about Continuing Legal Education in San Diego
Why Would Medicaid Planning Be Important If I’m Healthy?
Medicare will not pay for long-term care, but Medicaid will assist with these costs. Medicaid planning is important for many seniors, because long-term care is very expensive. This is something to take into consideration when you are looking ahead toward your elder years. Sometimes you can oversimplify things and wind up with a blind spot. If you have always been healthy, and you make good lifestyle choices, you may assume that you will never be in need of living assistance. However, there … [Read more...] about Why Would Medicaid Planning Be Important If I’m Healthy?
Veterans Aid and Attendance Special Pension Can Ease the Burden
Before we explain the Veterans Aid and Attendance special pension, we should look at some statistics that are quite relevant. When you have been able to handle all of your own activities of daily living throughout your life, it can be hard to imagine a time when you will have significant limitations. Unfortunately, nearly 3 out of every four senior citizens will someday need living assistance. Of course, it becomes more likely as you reach your mid-70s and 80s. Some people can get all the … [Read more...] about Veterans Aid and Attendance Special Pension Can Ease the Burden
Incapacity Planning in Vermont
Incapacity Planning in Vermont from Stephen Unsworth The road to being declared incapacitated can be slow due to a physical or mental change.Learn more about Incapacity Planning in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Incapacity Planning in Vermont
Better Financial Protections for Today’s Seniors in Vermont
Better Financial Protections for Today's Seniors in Vermont from Stephen Unsworth Recently, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, along with the American Bar Association Commission on Law & Aging, teamed to find ways to better protect today’s seniors from financial exploitation. Learn more about it in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Better Financial Protections for Today’s Seniors in Vermont