Understanding How Assets Are Distributed in a Will

When creating an estate plan, the main decision is how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. Understanding “per stirpes” and “per capita” distribution is key to that decision. The terms “per stirpes” and “per...

Medicaid’s Treatment of the Home

Nursing home residents do not automatically have to sell their homes in order to qualify for Medicaid, but that doesn’t mean the house is completely protected. The state will likely put a lien on the house while the resident is living and attempt to recover the...

Bill Introduced to Raise SSI Asset Limit, Make Other Reforms

In 1989, the price of a movie ticket was $4 and a gallon of gas cost a dollar, on average.  That same year, Congress raised the amount of money that recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) could retain without losing their eligibility to $2,000. While the...

Medicare Premiums to Increase By Almost $10 a Month in 2020

After small or no increases the past couple of years, Medicare’s Part B premium will rise in 2020. The basic monthly premium will increase $9.10, from $135.50 a month to $144.60. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the premium increase on...