Understanding Medicare's Hospice Benefit
Medicare's hospice benefit is one of the most comprehensive benefits and can be extremely helpful to both the terminally ill individual and his or her family, but it is little understood and underutilized.
The Best and Worst States for Protection Against Elder Abuse
The older the population gets, the greater the potential for elder abuse. States have laws in place designed to combat elder abuse, but some states are doing a better job than others.
Why Not Just Use an Off-the-Shelf Power of Attorney Form?
A durable power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents you can have. It is important to get it right, so you shouldn't use a do-it-yourself form.
Have Private Insurance and Are Turning 65? You Need Sign Up for Medicare Part B
If you are paying for your own insurance, you may think you do not need to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65. However, not signing up for Medicare Part B right away can cost you down the road.
Mark D. Munson Selected for CAP Membership
Last week, our attorney, Mark D. Munson, was honored to have been selected for membership in NAELA's Council of Advanced Practitioners (CAP). CAP was founded in 2003 to provide more advanced programming, in the fields of Elder and Special Needs Law, for the most...
It’s Open Enrollment Season: Is Your Medicare Plan Still Working For You?
Do you have the right Medicare plan? It is fall, which means it is time to think about whether your current plan is still giving you the best coverage or whether a new plan could save you money or offer better coverage.
Be Careful About Putting Only One Spouse's Name on a Reverse Mortgage
A recent case involving basketball star Caldwell Jones demonstrates the danger in having only one spouse's name on a reverse mortgage.
2019 Will Bring Social Security Beneficiaries the Biggest Increase in Eight Years
The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8 percent increase in benefits in 2019, the largest increase since 2012.
For First Time, Median Cost of Private Nursing Home Room Hits Six Figures in Annual Survey
The median cost of a private nursing home room in the United States increased to $100,375 a year in 2018, up 3 percent from 2017, according to Genworth's annual Cost of Care survey.
2019 Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
2019 Cost-of-Living Adjustments
How to Handle Sibling Disputes Over a Power of Attorney
When one sibling is named in a power of attorney, there is the potential for disputes with other siblings. No matter which side you are on, it is important to know your rights and limitations.
Can I Give My Kids $15,000 a Year?
If you have it to give, you certainly can, but there may be consequences should you apply for Medicaid long-term care coverage within five years after each gift.
It’s Now Harder for Veterans to Qualify for Long-Term Care Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs has finalized new rules that make it more difficult to qualify for long-term care benefits. The rules establish an asset limit and asset transfer penalties for claimants applying for VA pension benefits.
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.
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...