James M. McKain James McKain joined Shepherd Elder Law Group in the summer of 2024 as a Senior Attorney. James comes to SEL with over 10 years of experience in the fields of elder law, trusts and estates, and special needs planning. James started his adult life...

Since the 1960s, Medicaid has provided health care coverage for low-income people across the United States. For millions of seniors, Medicaid offers financial assistance, helping them to cover the cost of long-term care services. Today, this joint federal-state...

Whether a revocable living trust is right for you depends on various factors related to your personal situation and estate planning goals. Here are some considerations to help you determine if a revocable living trust might be beneficial: 1. Avoiding Probate If you...

A free and secure online account can be used to manage Social Security benefits. Account users can also check application status, request a replacement Social Security card, and view notices online. By 2022, more than 64 million people had a my Social Security...

If you win a personal injury lawsuit, you may receive your award in a lump sum or as a structured settlement. With a structured settlement, you will receive payments over time; you may opt for a substantial initial amount, with lesser succeeding payments to provide...

Many people associate estate planning as a task to be completed when one is wealthy, old, or both. In reality, estate planning should be done for everyone at the onset of adulthood - which is age 18. This will ensure that a person is protected (and wishes met)...

For Medicaid purposes, certain assets are considered exempt (or non-countable) when determining eligibility. It can be valuable to be aware of such exemptions prior to the immediate need for long-term care. These exemptions can vary by state, but generally, the...

In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, one critical challenge has been ensuring that Medicare recipients receive the coverage they need without undue financial burdens. A new legislative effort aims to address a particularly perplexing issue: the distinction...

As you get ready to turn 65, you may be inundated with information about Medicare. All this information is confusing, but it is important to do your research before choosing your plan. If you aren’t fully informed, you could end up making mistakes that will cost you...

If you are approaching retirement, you may worry about paying for medical expenses once you leave the workforce. The good news is the United States has a health insurance program for individuals 65 and older. The program is called Medicare. Read on to learn more about...

Thanks to a new rule recently finalized by the federal government, obtaining and renewing health care coverage under the Medicaid program is set to become easier for millions of Americans. What Is Medicaid? Medicaid provides people living on limited income with access...

If you are age 65 or older and living in the United States, you are part of a large and growing population segment. According to the 2020 Census, one in six Americans are over 65. In fact, the number of Americans over 65 grew nearly five times faster than the total...

Understanding the nation’s latest data on older adults can aid policymakers and advocates for those 65 and older in responding more effectively to this population’s unique needs, while also helping seniors and their families plan for the future. Each year, the...

Source: ElderLawAnswers.com, The Academy of Special Needs Planners Attendees of the April 2024 National Conference of the Academy of Special Needs Planners (ASNP), held in Austin, Texas, heard from experts in the special needs planning field on such diverse topics as...

Question: If children buy their parents out of a reverse mortgage, is that a transfer of an asset for less than fair market value, which would negatively affect Medicaid eligibility? In this instance the house could potentially sell for $600,000 to $700,000 on...