Scam Email Targets Social Security Recipients
If you or a loved one are among the 71.6 million people receiving Social Security benefits, be careful of downloading email attachments. You could receive a dangerous email from hackers pretending to be the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the email looks...
Why the Social Security Retirement Age Is Now 67, Not 65
In 2025, Americans born in 1960 are reaching age 65, a milestone that for decades has been associated with retirement. Many people still think of 65 as the age to claim full Social Security retirement benefits. But for those born in 1960 or later, full retirement age...
The Healing Bond: How Pet Dogs Can Benefit Children With Autism
For many families living with autism, connection and communication can be among the greatest daily challenges. But what if the answer to building a bridge came not through words, but through a wagging tail and a pair of gentle eyes? A new documentary titled...
SECURE Act 2.0: Changes Affecting Special Needs Planning
The SECURE Act 2.0, signed into law on December 29, 2022, builds upon the original SECURE Act of 2019 and introduces several important changes that affect special needs planning. With many provisions taking effect in 2023 and 2024, and others, like expanded ABLE...
How Pairing Older Adults With Older Pets Can Benefit Both
In recent years, a heartwarming trend has emerged across the United States: senior adults adopting senior pets. These special connections are often life-changing — for both the pets and the people. Though puppies and kittens tend to get the spotlight at shelters,...
Caregiving Challenges & Long-Term Care: A Deep Dive
Caring for aging adults—especially those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or dementia—is a growing, often undervalued responsibility. As the global population ages, understanding caregiver challenges and providing robust support systems has become a public health...
Survey Shows Long-Term Care Costs Continue to Rise
As most of us go through our daily routines, it is hard to imagine needing help with essential daily tasks. However, research shows that most Americans over age 65 will need daily help, in the form of long-term care, at some point. Long-term care (LTC) encompasses a...
Legal Guardianship for Children With Special Needs
Preparing a comprehensive estate plan to protect a child with special needs can be an emotional roller coaster. On the one hand, parents should be relieved that they are taking steps to guarantee that their child will be well cared for after they are gone. On the...
Should Aging Parents Live With Their Adult Children?
Aging in place (i.e. at home and outside of a senior living community such as a nursing home) continues to increase in popularity. However, what to do when you notice an older loved one having trouble living safely at home is an issue many families eventually face....
The ABLE Account in 2025
It looks like 2025 will be a crucial year for the disability community, offering a valuable chance to boost your savings through three key provisions of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. However, these provisions are set to expire at the end of this...
Medicaid in Missouri: MO HealthNet for Nursing Home Care
MO HealthNet can help individuals in Missouri nursing homes or long-term care facilities cover expenses for room and board, as well as essential medical and non-medical goods and services. Participants are required to use most of their income for these costs, with...
Navigating Long-Term Care Medicaid When Relocating to a New State
In general, when one is in need of skilled care, it is best to apply for Medicaid as soon as possible, even if the person needing care is moving to a neighboring state. However, Medicaid eligibility and application processes can vary by state, and there might be...
Medicaid Spend Down: A Means to Eligibility
Since the 1960s, Medicaid has offered health coverage for low-income individuals across the U.S. For millions of seniors, it provides financial assistance to help cover long-term care costs. Today, this federal-state program extends to other eligible groups with...
What To Know Before Beginning Special Needs Planning
Every parent wants to make sure their children are protected and cared for in the future. Children with disabilities face additional challenges in ensuring they have everything they need to have a safe and happy life. Consider protecting your child’s government...
Effective Retirement Planning Considers Costs of Long-Term Care
It can be easy to underestimate the amount of money we will need for health care and long-term care after we retire. Not knowing exactly what care we will need and with the costs of all types of care rising, it is nearly impossible to know exactly how much to save and...