It's Important to Shop Around for Your Medigap Policy

Medigap premiums can vary widely depending on the insurance company, according to a new study, so be sure to shop around before choosing a policy. When you first become eligible for Medicare, you may purchase a Medigap policy from a private insurer to supplement...

VA Pension Eligibility Rules Changing on Oct. 18

Under current law, the benefit of Veterans’ pension is available to veterans and surviving spouses of veterans whether they have made gifts of their assets or not (if they meet other eligibility criteria).  This will change on Oct. 18.  Beginning on October 18, gifts...

Fear of Losing Home to Medicaid Contributed to Elder Abuse Case

A California daughter and granddaughter's fear of losing their home to Medicaid may have contributed to a severe case of elder abuse. If the pair had consulted with an elder law attorney, they might have figured out a way to get their mother the care she needed...

Medicare Extends Deadline for Relief from Part B Penalties

Medicare is extending its offer of relief from penalties for certain Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare Part A and had coverage through the individual marketplace. Beneficiaries who qualify will be able to enroll in Medicare Part B without paying a...

The Little-Known Tax on Roth 401(k) Distributions

Employee retirement savings plans come in two main flavors: the traditional 401(k) and the Roth 401(k). The benefit of a Roth 401(k) over a traditional 401(k) after retirement is that distributions from a Roth 401(k) are tax-free, but there is a little-known situation...

A Guidebook to Planning for Old Age

Joy Loverde. Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old? Plan Now to Safeguard Your Health and Happiness in Old Age. New York, NY: Da Capo Press, 2017. 313 pages. Click here to order book via IndieBound.org Millions of Americans are facing old age essentially...

Five Planning Pointers for Parents with Disabled Children

Buy enough life insurance. A parent is irreplaceable, but someone will have to fill in if the worst happens. It may be siblings or other relatives. In all likelihood, that family will have to pay for at least some services the parent or parents had provided when able....