Survey Highlights High Costs of Long-Term Care
You may not foresee ever needing assistance with your day-to-day life. However, research shows that seven in 10 adults aged 65 and older will require long-term care at some point in their later years. Meanwhile, the U.S. population continues to age rapidly. Americans...
Seniors and Caregivers: Establish an Emergency Action Plan
For seniors and their caregivers, having a plan in place should an emergency strike can provide some peace of mind in a turbulent world. A crisis, such as illness, trauma, natural disaster, or any other unexpected adverse event, may one day require you to act quickly...
Getting Medicare Disability Coverage When You Are Not Yet 65
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for older adults and people with disabilities, including certain chronic conditions. According to the Center for Medicare Advocacy, more than 65 million individuals participate in the program. Disability and Medicare...
Social Security Benefits as We Age
As individuals age, Social Security benefits can become an essential source of income. Here's how Social Security benefits typically work as people age: Early Retirement: Individuals can begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, although...
11 Questions to Ask an Elder Law Attorney
Elder law encompasses a wide range of legal matters that affect older individuals. Attorneys who practice elder law advocate for seniors and execute legal plans to assist them in living better lives. Their expertise may encompass estate planning, as well as planning...
How to Plan Ahead Before Seeking Nursing Home Care
Many seniors may need the services of a nursing home or at-home care at some point in their lives. You might assume that government assistance or health insurance will step in and cover the cost if you can't afford these services. Unfortunately, neither health...
Older Adults Are Failing at Retirement Planning, Study Shows
Research by the American College of Financial Services sheds light on the need for improvements in retirement financial literacy. The 2023 Retirement Income Literacy Study revealed that most adults ages 50 to 75 lack knowledge about retirement income. With this lack...
HUD Housing Programs That Support Aging in Place
Ninety-three percent of adults 55 and older want to remain in their homes as they age, according to U.S. News & World Report. “Aging in place” involves growing old comfortably and safely in one’s dwelling. As adults age, they may want to remain in their homes and...
What Does Medicaid Consider ‘Fair Market Value’ When Selling a House?
Question: If a person is applying for Medicaid or already receives Medicaid benefits, what is the penalty if his or her house does not sell for "fair market value"? Additionally if it is not realistic that the house would sell for “fair market value” because it needs...
How Much Can You Give Away and Still Qualify for Medicaid?
To be eligible for Medicaid, you cannot have recently transferred assets. Congress does not want you to move into a nursing home on Monday, give all your money to your children (or whomever) on Tuesday, and qualify for Medicaid on Wednesday. So, it has imposed a...
Undue Hardship and the Medicaid Penalty Period
If you are planning to apply for Medicaid, you might not realize that you should think twice before transferring any of your assets. If you transfer assets within five years of applying for Medicaid, you could in fact face a penalty period. During this time, you would...
Medicaid Spend Down: Pay for More Than Just Medical Bills
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...
What Is Medicaid, and How Does Medicaid Work?
Medicaid is a public benefits program that provides health insurance to low-income children, seniors, and people with disabilities. In addition, it covers care in a nursing home for those who qualify. Different states may have different names for the program. For...
Up to $7,500 Tax Credit for the Elderly and Disabled
Low-income seniors and people with disabilities may be missing out on a tax credit that could reduce their tax liability by up to $7,500 this tax season. To qualify for the Senior Tax Credit for the Elderly and Disabled, individuals must either be above age 65 or...
Federal Program Helps Nursing Home Residents Move Home
Once someone enters a nursing home, it isn't always easy to move out again. While some residents may prefer nursing home care to living on their own, others would rather be independent. For residents who want to move out but need some assistance to live on their own,...