Using a Trust in Medicaid Planning
With careful Medicaid planning, you may be able to preserve some of your estate for your children or other heirs while meeting Medicaid's low asset limit. The problem with transferring assets is that you have given them away. You no longer control them, and even a...
An Elder Care Lawyer Can Help You Get Medicaid Home Care
The over-65 crowd is growing dramatically. Millions of Baby Boomers are transitioning into older adulthood and are living longer than previous generations. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, the U.S. population over the age of 65 is expected to balloon from...
Medicaid Applicants: Protecting Your Healthy Spouse in 2025
For millions of seniors nationwide, Medicaid provides a safety net for people who find themselves requiring long-term care. Most Americans aged 65 and older – roughly 70 percent – will need these kinds of services in their later years, according to research....
My spouse needs to move to a nursing home. What should I do?
Deciding to move a spouse into a nursing home is a significant and often emotional decision, but taking the right steps can make the process smoother for both of you. Here’s a general guide to help you navigate through this transition: Assess Your Spouse’s Needs...
End-of-Year Estate Planning
End-of-year is a good time to reflect on where you’ve been, where you are now, and on what lies ahead. One’s estate plan is, often, reflective of each of these states of life. If you have already completed your estate plan, this checklist provides items for review. If...
Financial Help for Parents of Children with Special Needs
If you are planning to be a parent or are thinking of having more children, the scenario of having a child with a disability has probably crossed your mind. Disabilities can form before birth or after birth as a result of accidents or illnesses. According to the U.S....
What Raising the Social Security Retirement Age Would Mean
In a new fiscal year 2025 budget, policymakers call for raising the Social Security retirement age. The proposal is the latest to target the largest program in the federal budget — and the largest income source for many retirees. It comes as the Social Security...
COLA Update: Social Security Benefits for 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially released its annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) figures for 2025. These newly issued numbers will have an impact on monthly Social Security benefits payouts for retirees, as well as recipients of Social...
Can I Create a Will On My Own?
Yes, you can create a will on your own, often referred to as a "holographic will" or a DIY will. Creating a will on your own can be convenient, but it comes with several potential risks and problems. Legal Validity: If your will doesn’t meet your state’s legal...
Healthier Living for Seniors Through Adult Day Services
More older adults are choosing to live in their homes as they age rather than move into nursing homes. This trend has both positive and negative effects. Remaining in the familiar setting of one’s home can foster a sense of comfort, safety, and independence. Despite...
An Elder Care Lawyer Can Help You Get Medicaid Home Care
The over-65 crowd is growing dramatically. Millions of Baby Boomers are transitioning into older adulthood and are living longer than previous generations. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, the U.S. population over the age of 65 is expected to balloon from...
Medicare Open Enrollment – and New Benefits – Are on the Way
Medicare open enrollment is on the horizon. Now is the time to start thinking about any changes you may want to make to your Medicare coverage. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, some significant changes have come along for Medicare and more will take effect in...
Bill Advocates for Seniors Who Seek At-Home Medicaid Care
Seniors who need assistance with everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, and eating are eligible for Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS). Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of people who qualify for these services – but wish to receive them in...
What is Elder Law & How Do You Know If You Need an Elder Law Attorney?
Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice that focuses on issues affecting the elderly, those with a disability, and their families. This field encompasses a wide range of practice areas, including: Estate Planning and Administration: Creating wills, trusts,...
Should You Prepare a Medicaid Application Yourself?
Medicaid is the single largest health care provider in the United States, covering more than 75 million individuals, including 7.2 million seniors. The program is also Americans’ primary source of long-term care coverage. Jointly financed by the federal government and...