On Medicare? What You’ll Pay for Now That the COVID Public Health Emergency Has Ended
The Biden administration officially ended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023. Certain policies that were implemented in early 2020 during the public health emergency will now expire. As a result, seniors are among those who may see some of the health...
An Epidemic: Substance Abuse a Growing Problem Among Seniors & Those With Mental Illness
The United States population of aging adults has grown exponentially over the past decade. According to projections published by the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans aged 60 and older increased by 34 percent from 55.7 million to 74.6 million between 2009...
Will Robotics and AI Be the Future of Elder Care?
Adults 65 and older constitute the fasting-growing age demographic in the United States. When it comes to elder care, this expanding population is facing a scarcity in people equipped to support them as they get older. One estimate predicts a shortage of 151,000 paid...
Avoid Foreclosure With Repayment Plan for Reverse Mortgages
Using reverse mortgages, adults 62 and older may draw upon home equity to support their needs and remain in their homes. Many older adults with reverse mortgages have a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). The Federal Housing Administration insures HECMs, and the...
How the Debt Ceiling Bill Could Impact Medicaid Enrollees
For adults who rely on Medicaid, a bill recently passed by the House may mean holding a job would become necessary to continue accessing benefits. What Is Medicaid? Medicaid is a public benefits program providing health insurance for individuals with limited...
Is “Aging in Place” Right for Me?
Most older adults want to remain in their homes and communities as they age rather than move into assisted living facilities or nursing homes. For those who wish to maintain their independence and continue living at home as they grow older, taking certain steps to...
What Is an Elder Law Attorney?
Elder law attorneys are lawyers who specialize in helping seniors and individuals with special needs with a variety of legal issues. The specialty of "elder law" evolved in the 1980s as it became increasingly clear that the complicated legal issues confronting seniors...
Don’t Wait Until You’re Sick to Create an Estate Plan
In the wake of the pandemic, rising inflation, mass shooting tragedies, and other events, more people recognize that they need to plan for the future. Yet while financial planning has been at the top of many Americans’ minds, a vast majority of people have stalled in...
When Should I Include a Living Trust and a Pour Over Will in My Estate Plan?
In creating an estate plan, you are proactively taking steps to ensure that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes in the wake of your death. One tool available to you in estate planning is known as a trust. There are numerous kinds of trusts. If you...
What Does Having Power of Attorney With Dual Agents Mean?
A power of attorney is among one of the most important incapacity planning documents you can have. It designates someone you trust with taking care of your affairs if you become unable to do so. In a power of attorney, you give one or more trusted people of your...
Some States Testing Out Medicaid Coverage for Healthy Food
Under a federal pilot program, a number of states are using Medicaid funds to cover healthy food costs for Medicaid recipients. Ultimately, the trial program seeks to determine whether nutrition support can help prevent and manage certain chronic illnesses related to...
When Does Someone Need Financial Guardianship?
When individuals cannot manage their finances, courts can appoint guardians. Financial guardianship is for those who need help handling money. Depending on the jurisdiction, financial guardianship may also be called guardianship of the estate or conservatorship. In...
Study: Certain Social Risks May Cause Early Death in Seniors
Using survey data from more than 8,000 adults aged 65 and older, researchers have identified eight social factors that may lead to early death in older adults. As part of the study, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of California, San...
Medicaid’s Home Care Waivers Can Help You Avoid a Nursing Home, But the Wait May Be Long
Medicaid long-term care benefits traditionally pay mainly for nursing home care, but the federal government can grant “waivers” to states allowing them to expand Medicaid to include home and community-based services. The downside is that receiving care in a nursing...
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...