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973-226-0050Health systems and hospitals have been coping with unprecedented challenges during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. There has been a need to increase and safeguard healthcare staff as well as non-COVID-19 patients, testing and treating infected patients, expanding critical care unit capacity, procuring personal protective equipment (PPE), and canceling non-emergency patient procedures. The American Hospital Association estimates that healthcare systems are losing an average of 50.7 billion dollars
a month. This financial crisis is jeopardizing the telehealth industry as insurance groups seek to lower rates for virtual appointments. Without payment parity equivalent to an in-person appointment, many health care systems will be unable to continue telehealth services.
COVID-19 has brought telehealth from a niche service to a common practice in less than a year. The assurance of physical distance, preservation of PPE, and limiting infection spread has been invaluable. Yet, despite the advantages telehealth provides, insurance coverage, prescribing, and technology access remain limiting factors. The federal government created the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act ( CARES Act ) to address these concerns, removing many barriers to promoting telehealth expansion. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ( CMS ) created a toolkit to encourage state Medicaid agencies to adopts CARES Act standards, and many private insurers followed suit. Still, telehealth’s subsequent explosive increase in patients became unprofitable. The resulting financial strain on the healthcare system and insurers may force telehealth provision limitations, although the public health crisis remains.
Early in 2020, the use of telehealth saw an increase from 13,000 to 1.7 million Medicare recipient visits per week. During the height of the national lockdown, between mid-March to mid-June, the number of Medicare recipients receiving telehealth care was more than nine million. Meanwhile, private insurers, mimicking the CARES Act policy changes, saw telehealth claims increasing upward of 4,000 percent from 2019. The CARES Act intended to last until the public health emergency was over. With the advent of this flu season and the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, there is a call for telehealth’s expansion to become permanent.
However, many private insurers are changing their telehealth coverage policies for non-COVID-19 issues due to financial losses. United Healthcare will no longer waive co-pays and other fees for non-COVID related appointments. Other insurers like Anthem BlueCross BlueShield will extend coverage through the end of 2020; however, only the first two telehealth sessions will be free for the consumer. Telehealth billing standardization remains elusive as each private insurance plan, and many state-funded Medicaid plans have varying rules and dates for what telehealth treatments have coverage. Some patients are paying more, while others are paying less. Costs are confusing, and patients may be delaying healthcare to avoid a surprisingly expensive bill.
America’s Health Insurance Plans ( AHIP ) is a trade, and political advocacy association of health insurance companies with certifications for Medicare Advantage and other CMS governed health plans. Working with public and private sectors, AHIP implements solutions to lower out-of-pocket costs, which can be a barrier for people seeking telehealth medical care. AHIP’s website lists many insurance providers and general information about their coverage, often addressing telehealth. If you or a loved one requires telehealth coverage, it is the optimal time to review your health care coverage for 2021 as the insurance industry is in its annual enrollment program.
Diminishing coverage for telehealth visits will continue to impact Americans this winter and beyond. Patients are paying more while health care practices are earning less, and the risk of infections increases. Health insurers seem to be driving patients back to the in-person appointment model. Telehealth is truly innovative and protective during the coronavirus pandemic, but its continuation will suffer unless it can also become profitable.
If you’d like to discuss ways we can help, please contact our office at 973-226-0050.
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It’s an unfortunate fact that seniors can be large targets for financial abuse and scams. Sadly, the elderly are often taken advantage of by complete strangers — and sometimes even their own family members. That’s why it’s important that planning is in place to help seniors protect themselves and their assets.
As we age, it can become increasingly difficult to manage our assets. Most of us will, at some point, need assistance with these details to help ensure that our financial and other assets aren’t depleted. If you or an aging loved one are looking for ways to safeguard assets, a Living Trust is often the best way to do so. Living Trusts allow seniors to rest assured that their finances and assets are managed by a trusted person.
Living Trusts help protect and manage the assets of those who cannot do so themselves due to age, illness, or disability. Many seniors assume that a will is the only protection they need. However, trusts are designed to safeguard the assets of the living, while wills only outline what happens to a person’s assets when the pass away. Furthermore, wills must go before a probate court and taxes must be paid on inheritances, while Living Trusts allow beneficiaries to avoid probate after their loved one’s passing.
To establish a Living Trust the owner, or grantor, places assets within the trust. The grantor then appoints a trustee to manage it and names beneficiaries to receive the assets of the trust when the time comes.
There are different types of Living Trusts. Let’s take a look at each and the ways these trusts can benefit seniors.
A Testamentary Trust protects an elderly person’s assets when a spouse dies. Assets of the deceased are transferred into a trust — enabling the appointed trustee to make all financial decisions regarding those assets. This helps a surviving spouse by protecting him or her from fraud or mismanagement of assets. Trustees can help the surviving senior generate income from remaining assets via sales or investments and take advantage of tax benefits.
A Revocable Living Trust safeguards seniors by making it more difficult for non-trustee family members to mismanage money or assets. The grantor (senior) can amend or revoke the trust at his or her own discretion without the consent of the beneficiary. This type of trust allows the grantor to stay in control of assets by either serving as a trustee or appointing one. In this case the grantor, serving as trustee and beneficiary of the trust, appoints a successor in the event he or she becomes incapacitated or dies. This appointed person is then responsible for disposal of the trust’s assets.
An Irrevocable Living Trust is one that cannot be changed or revoked by the trustmaker. This means that the grantor/trustmaker gives up his or her rights to the assets once they are transferred. Seniors over 65 who are eligible for Medicaid often choose to transfer assets into an Irrevocable Living Trust to avoid having to dispose of assets in order to remain eligible for Medicaid coverage or long-term care benefits. Once assets are in an irrevocable trust, they cannot be counted for Medicaid eligibility purposes, but there could be a penalty for transferring assets to an irrevocable trust.
An elder law attorney can assist in determining the best way to set up this type of trust and how to best transfer assets based on Medicaid stipulations. An Irrevocable Living Trust can provide income for seniors and their spouses. It also protects their property and other assets from being seized to pay for medical costs, without impacting Medicaid eligibility. This type of trust can also remain in place for a surviving spouse after the grantor’s death.
The sooner assets are placed in an Irrevocable Living Trust the better, as a penalty will be assessed by Medicaid during the first 5 years the trust is in existence (if Medicaid is required during that time).
Ultimately, Living Trusts give seniors more control over their assets than a will, allowing them to set parameters and stipulations and appoint a trusted advisor to help them make decisions. If you or your loved one would like more information about setting up a Living Trust, we can help. Contact our firm today to discuss how we can tailor a trust to your specific situation and needs.
If you’d like to discuss ways we can help, please contact our office at 973-226-0050
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These days, good news on the health front is so welcome. Now there is some, for the huge numbers of people suffering from Alzheimer’s dementia and ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). Researchers have found links between those two dread illnesses, and the new understanding is showing promising results in the laboratory using drugs and genetic alteration.
The developments for both conditions center around relatively new insights into brain function. It seems that brain cells require a certain fluidity or agility to move between two rates of neuronal firing. Any further explanation plunges into the deep weeds of physics and neurology, but a recent interview on National Public Radio with researchers likened the healthy process as similar to the fluidity with which water changes from vapor to dewdrop to ice. In the case of the two illnesses, it seems that brain cells that should act with comparable fluency turn “sticky” instead. Dr. J. Paul Taylor, a neurogeneticist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, likened the disease process to what happens when honey is left in the refrigerator. Dr. Taylor won the 2020 Potamkin Prize for Alzheimer’s research.
Also quoted in the NPR interview was biophysical engineer Cliff Brangwynne, of Princeton and also with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He likened a healthy brain cell to acting like people coming and going at a party, chatting with each other, but the cells in ill brains have lost that ability to communicate fluidly.
Millions stand to benefit. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for such people. Between 2000 and 2018, deaths from heart disease have decreased 7.8% while deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased 146%.
As for ALS, Johns Hopkins estimates that the illness affects as many as 30,000 in the United States, with 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Estimates suggest that ALS is responsible for as many as five of every 100,000 deaths in people aged twenty or older, most commonly in people over age sixty. The disease process causes terrible suffering.
Pharmaceutical company Bayer and Dewpoint Therapeutics are partnering to produce treatments using this new technology for dementia, ALS, and other cancer conditions as well.
Diseases like Alzheimer’s and ALS can cause not only emotional stress for families, but financial stress as well. We help families deal with legal and financial issues related to caring for a loved one with a serious disease. If you’d like to discuss your particular situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Many parents find talking to their kids about their wealth uncomfortable. Talking about how much money or property you have is usually viewed as taboo. Asking someone else about what they have is often considered impolite. But failing to talk to kids about how much they may inherit could leave them unprepared to handle even a modest amount, and often results in the money being squandered quickly.
Baby boomers are considered the wealthiest generation and are set to pass that wealth on to their children. It’s estimated that $68 trillion will be passed down from boomers within the next few decades. By 2030, millennials will hold five times as much wealth as they do today.
Many who have substantial wealth are concerned that if their children know the extent of their wealth, this will take away any motivation for the children to be productive and involved citizens. Parents with substantial wealth often want their children to learn how to live in the world as “normal” people, and to be productive and successful in their own right. Some may go so far as to hide their wealth to encourage their children to work and build their own wealth.
But the degree of wealth is relative. Even those who are not as wealthy may not want their children to know how much they have. With the rising costs of health care, they are concerned that all of their savings will be needed for retirement, medical expenses, and long term care. If this becomes a reality their kids would not receive an inheritance they may have been counting on.
Failing to prepare children for what they may inherit can hinder their ability to handle money wisely. Many find they suddenly feel separated from their friends, isolated, even confused about how to handle relationships. Others will be wasteful and spend their new found money irresponsibly. Those who inherit even a modest amount are likely to be just as irresponsible; stories of inheritances being squandered on an expensive sports car, lavish vacations, and fast living are all too common.
Experts agree it is important to talk to children about money and wealth during their adult years to help them learn how to be better stewards of wealth. This doesn’t mean parents have to take a show their children all of their bank accounts, business interests and other evidence of wealth. Instead, experts suggest talking to children about their values, the opportunities money can provide and what you as parents want to accomplish with the money you have. Most parents want their children to think about helping others, and many want to encourage entrepreneurship. It can be helpful to give children a small amount of money at a young age to teach them how to save and invest, spend wisely, and to show them the importance of supporting charities.
One of the most effective ways to teach children about values and spending and investing money is to be an example. Parents need to let their children see them using their money in ways that reinforce their values. Some parents show how they value family relationships by spending their money on family vacations or buying a second home where the entire family can gather for summers and holidays. Others involve their children in choosing charities to support and provide children their own money to donate. If your children see you living your values, chances are they will adopt similar values as well.
We help families determine how to leave money to children in a beneficial way, how to plan for unexpected health care issues, and how to make sure appropriate people are named to step in and help if needed. We welcome the opportunity to talk to you about your planning needs.
If you’d like to discuss ways we can help, please contact our office at 973-226-0050
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An alert has been issued about a fraud scheme that involves genetic testing by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The warning is for Medicare beneficiaries across the nation, and the federal government is working with law enforcement to put an end to the schemes. Already charges against 35 individuals have been brought for their alleged participation in healthcare fraud that accounts for 2.1 billion dollars in losses nationwide. The scam is perpetrated on the Medicare system at large and individual level.
First, the “recruiters” or “marketers” bogusly involve themselves with their targeted Medicare seniors. Typically, the scammer targets the victim through door-to-door visits, telemarketing calls, and booths at public events or health fairs. Some schemes even target retirement communities, offering free ice cream sundaes or gift cards to learn about this fantastic new genetic testing technology.
The deception begins with the offer of “free” screening, testing kit sent to your home via the mail, or an onsite cheek swab for genetic testing followed by obtaining the person’s Medicare information for fraudulent billing activity or identity theft. If the scam artist (“recruiter”) is working with an unethical doctor, they will pay that doctor a kickback in exchange for ordering the test. Once the lab processes the test, Medicare will reimburse the lab, and the lab then shares the proceeds of that reimbursement with the scammer. Genetic testing fraud occurs when an analysis or screening is performed but not ordered by a Medicare beneficiary’s treating physician and not considered medically necessary. If Medicare denies the claim, the recipient who permitted the screening becomes responsible for the entire cost of the test. The average price of personal genetic analysis ranges from 9,000 to 11,000 dollars.
Examples of genetic testing fraud can include, but are not limited to, the following screenings or tests:
What is the best way to avoid the genetic testing scam? If you receive a genetic testing kit in the mail, do not accept it unless you are sure your
physician ordered it. Make certain it is sent from the doctor-approved company before opening it. If your physician did not order the test, refuse the delivery of it or return it unopened to the sender while keeping a record of the sender’s name and the date the item was returned. You can also report the sender’s information directly to the HHS OIG Hotline. Be skeptical of anyone offering a free genetic testing kit in exchange for providing your Medicare number. Once they have your Medicare data, it is easy for a scammer to compromise your data in additional fraud schemes. Guard your Medicare information, and if anyone other than your physician’s office is requesting your Medicare number, do not
provide it. Medicare has a fraud hotline, and if you suspect you are a target, report the incident immediately. Again, you can report or submit a complaint to the HHS OIG Hotline.
Be sure to always review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Certain words or phrases indicate a questionable genetic test may have been completed. Words like laboratory, molecular pathology, and gene analysis are suspect and may indicate fraud, which you should immediately report as a billing error or possible fraud to your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) or the Health and Human Services Hotline.
Genetic testing is a fantastic tool made possible by scientific advancement, human genome sequencing, and increased computing capabilities. Twenty-five years ago, obtaining personal genetic information was inconceivable, but today the data can be obtained with a saliva sample. The test can provide information about your ancestors and assess your disease risk. Because the tests are expensive, it did not take long for scam artists to find ways to extract illicit financial gains from Medicare and its beneficiaries. Be aware of how scam artists target you and your personal information to avoid being a victim.
We hope you found this article useful. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 973-226-0050
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In the absence of a will, the court will appoint a state administrator to handle probate. Probate law varies by state, but there are steps in the process that are common. Probate is the legal process for authenticating a deceased person’s will, reviewing their assets, paying their outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to their inheritors. After an asset-holder dies, the court will appoint a valid will’s executor to administer the probate process.
First, an executor is appointed and is normally the person named in the will. It is the executor’s responsibility to initiate the probate process. An executor can be a family member, a financial advisor, or any person the testator deemed capable of administering their estate. The executor files the will with the probate court, which initiates the probate process. A court officially appoints the executor as named in the will, giving the executor legal authority to act on the testator’s behalf.
The executor’s function is to locate and oversee all of the estate’s assets and to determine each asset’s value. The majority of the deceased’s assets are subject to the probate court, where the deceased lived at the time of their death. Real estate is an exception, and probate may extend to any county where the real estate is located.
The executor will pay any taxes and debts owed by the deceased from the estate. A notice of death is published and creditors are given a limited time to make claims against the estate for any money owed to them. If the executor rejects the claim, the creditor may take them to court, where a probate judge will determine the debt’s validity. The executor is responsible for filing the deceased’s final, personal income tax returns. The executor’s last task, via court authorization, is to distribute what remains of the estate to the beneficiaries.
Probate is required for any asset or account that does not have a joint owner or beneficiary named. If a joint owner or beneficiary is named then title changes automically and probate becomes unnecessary.
If a person dies without a will, they are said to have died intestate. An estate can also be deemed instate if the will presented to the court is found to be invalid. The decedent’s assets of an intestate estate follow a similar probate process, beginnign with the appointment of an administrator. An administrator functions like an executor, receiving all legal claims against the estate, paying outstanding debts, and the decedent’s taxes.
Administrators must also seek out legal heirs, including surviving spouses, parents, and children. The probate court will determine the distribution of the estate among its legal heirs. In the absence of any family or other heirs, remaining assets go to the state.
The more complex or contested an estate is, the longer the probate process can take to finalize. The longer the process, the higher the cost. Probate without a will typically costs more than probate with a valid will, but neither scenario is inexpensive. Probate court files an estate’s assets as a matter of public record, so if you want to keep your estate private, it is best to pursue other estate planning options such as a trust. As estate planning attorneys, we can help you determine what planning tools are best for you. Contact us to schedule time for a private cconversation to further determine how we can help.
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Though crafting your will can make you face some uncomfortable topics, like mortality, it does not compare to the difficulty your loved ones will face trying to handle the logistics problems in the absence of your will. Your last will and testament is a set of legal instructions that communicates your wishes regarding your dependents and how to dispose of your property when you die. If you have people who you love and care for, then creating a will for your peace of mind and their protection is the right thing to do.
Curiously, while many people have experienced the death of their parent and the fallout that occurs if the parent had no will, the number of Americans making wills is dropping. Recently, a study by Caring.com identifies that in 2020, 25 percent fewer people have a will than in 2017. Surprisingly, older and middle-aged adults make up a substantial part of this group even though 30 percent of the people in the study believe you should have a will by the age of 35.
Many Americans feel they do not have enough assets to deem a will necessary, but unless you are destitute, you probably own a lot more than you think. Property ownership includes things like an individual as well as jointly owned bank accounts, stocks and bonds, retirement accounts, real estate, jewelry, vehicles, your online digital footprint, and even pets, are all part of your estate. You do not have to be wealthy, or even close to it, to benefit from having a will. Your will also protects your family and loved ones at a time when their focus should be on grieving your loss, not administering to legal issues because you did not have a will.
Wills are subject to state law. When you die without a will, it is known as dying intestate , and the determination of the distribution of your assets becomes the responsibility of a probate court. The probate court appoints an administrator who will act as your executor, identifying legal claims against your estate, paying off outstanding debts, and locating your legal heirs. Locating heirs only occurs in the case where your property is worth more than your outstanding debts.
If you have an existing will we would be happy to review it to make sure it still reflects your wishes. If you don’t have a will we would be happy to help you create one that makes sense for your situation. Taking these steps now will bring you peace of mind, save your estate money, and protect your family and loved ones.
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The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way that seniors are able to interact socially. Everything we have come to know about successful, healthy aging is contingent upon connection to those around us. The opportunities for people to laugh, move, and learn together is foundational to aging success. Now aging Americans must stay socially engaged while maintaining a physical distance. This issue touches us all from senior wellness professionals, medical staff, families, inter-resident connections, and those aging in place at home and alone. The internet of things, and the virtual links it creates, is a great solution to implement in a socially distanced, troubling pandemic world.
Virtual technology tools were becoming more ubiquitous before the coronavirus. Yet, the need for emotional well-being as the especially vulnerable aging population of America became isolated was the accelerant solution to address the problem. Fitness classes ranging from tai chi to yoga and other forms of movement became available in droves of senior online classes. Connecting with family members or health professionals through telemedicine also became crucial as regular visitations and routine medical appointments became impossible.
Virtual tools provide a great advantage for social distancing as no meeting space is required. Senior interaction with tech tools has brought new learning and skills opportunities, providing a sense of connection, purpose, and pride. Older adults share their newfound prowess in video messages, multi online person chats, and more. Grandparents and grandchildren find common ground in a technological world, and grateful parents/adult children are happy for the means to address the social isolation problem and create stronger inter-generational family ties.
Beyond the connection of friends and family, technology brings email, instant messaging, social media sites, brain games, wellness bingo cards, music, even virtual cruises with daily ports of call to keep seniors connected in isolation. Many aging adults associate full-length feature films with a movie theater and do not realize they can watch nearly anything they want via streaming services, 24 hours a day, whenever they choose.
While the internet and these technology tools provide virtual interaction and entertainment, not every senior who needs it can afford a tablet computer or laptop. Many communities are holding campaigns to raise funds for those in need of these digital devices. Nursing homes can receive a stipend from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) through the Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) fund. Funding through CMP provides communication aids such as tablet devices and webcams that enable virtual visits. However, each facility has a limit of $3,000 to ensure a balance in distributing CMP funds. Because these items may be shared among negative COVID-19 residents, it is critical to avoid entering highly personal information into device applications or programs. Shared tablets are not a good way to check bank accounts, shop online, or have your senior pay bills.
Be wary of too much learning too quickly for a senior. Don’t overwhelm the aging adult with the technology, rather focus on what it provides. Slowly introduce different aspects of the technology and be certain the senior has a firm understanding of how to repeat the process to get online or risk creating frustration. Also, educate them that even though they can Skype, Zoom, et al. with others does not mean their loved ones or friends will be available at all times for them. Set a schedule for meaningful connections, managing their expectations to keep them from cycles of disappointment. Share successes, experiences, even failures with residential staff, other family members, and residents. Find out what works the best overall. Keep the strategy simple for the best results.
Be aware that seniors without strong social connections before covid-19 may feel incredibly left out. The technology connecting people doesn’t work if there is no one to communicate with on the other end of the virtual line. Residents without existing social networks typically rely on the now non-existent shared dining room and community events for interaction, and they may now be left behind. These residents need more assistance in learning how to join online classes and interactive communities that share like interests. Senior Americans unfamiliar with the internet of things do not understand the scope of what is available to them.
CMS Administrator Seema Verma states , “While we must remain steadfast in our fight to shield nursing home residents from this virus, it is becoming clear that prolonged isolation and separation from family is also taking a deadly toll on our aging loved ones.” Help your loved one to leverage digital technology and the internet to stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic. There is still hope and human connection available, and vulnerable and isolated seniors are in desperate need of both.
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The senior citizen population of the United States is continuously increasing as the baby boomer generation ages, and the influx of international migration continues. Although the US average life expectancy has seen a slight three-year decline, many Americans, men and women, live well into their 80s, 90s, and beyond. An elder law attorney works with seniors, taking a holistic approach to the legal issues people commonly face as they age. These include matters of housing, physical and financial health, estate planning, and more. There are as many issues as there are seniors, as life circumstances are different for everyone. An attorney who specializes in the host of the problems senior citizens face can be a wise investment.
Whether you have a lucrative business and many assets, or a small home with a modest bank account, estate planning
can be overwhelming. However, having your affairs in order is a final gift to your family. An estate plan is much more than creating your will though it is generally the first step. There are multiple types of wills, and while most people think of their last will and testament, there are also living wills, joint wills, pour-over wills that work in conjunction with trusts, and more. The type of will(s) you need to best control what happens to you and your assets throughout your life, and your death, are best explained by an elder law attorney. An elder law attorney specializing in estate planning helps you navigate wills, trusts, guardianships, advance medical directives, and the financial management of life insurance policies, annuities, IRAs, and 401ks. All of these can have tax implications for managing and settling your estate.
Government programs
on federal and state levels may be available to seniors. Individual qualifications and the application processes can be complicated and confusing, especially when enrolling for the first time. An elder law attorney can help you understand Medicare
Part A (hospital, skilled nursing, some home health, and hospice), Part B (medical insurance covering certain services by doctors, preventative services, medical supplies, and outpatient care). Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans, a private company insurance plan you purchase that dovetails with Medicare) and Part D (covering prescription drugs). If you are a veteran, programs are available through the Veteran’s Administration
and can provide you with further and more specialized assistance because of your military service. Veteran program qualifications can be highly complex, so look for an elder law attorney who is accredited by the Veterans Administration.
Medicaid
provides health care benefits for low resource and low-income adults, pregnant women, elderly adults, children, and people with disabilities. If you qualify, you may receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Medicaid qualifiers have their healthcare premiums and out of pocket medical expenses covered through the program. Medicaid also includes custodial care and addresses long-term care expenses if you begin living in a nursing home. An elder law attorney understands how Medicare and Medicaid can work to your best advantage.
Social Security
benefit amounts change depending on the age range you choose to receive your benefit. You can currently apply and qualify for your benefits at 61 and nine months of age; however, the full retirement age for social security is 67, and cashing in early has long-term consequences for your payout. An elder law attorney can help you determine the best age to receive your social security benefits based on your health and financial situation. Suppose you also receive disability benefits before full retirement age or become disabled at that age. In that case, an elder law attorney can ensure you receive the proper benefits based on your condition.
Long-term care
is known to be an expensive proposition whether you are trying to afford long-term care insurance upfront or pay for it out of pocket if you require it in the future. Not addressing the issue of long-term care is a big gamble to your financial well being. Morningstar reports that 52 percent of Americans turning age 65 will need some long-term care services in their lifetime. An elder law attorney can help you understand policy premiums and how they can increase if you purchase long-term care insurance. They can also guide you through Medicaid planning or estate planning that can help you qualify for the best financial arrangements for long-term care. Sometimes, it is beneficial to spend down your estate to be eligible for Medicaid, and your elder law attorney will know what is required by law to do it properly.
Other issues, such as employment discrimination
, elder abuse
, and elder fraud
, even grandparent visitation rights
, fall under an elder law attorney’s scope. An attorney who practices elder law has a more comprehensive list of capabilities to help you through your senior years than those attorneys without expertise in this area. We focus on elder law. We would be honored to speak to you about how we can help you come up with a comprehensive legal plan covering many of the topics above so you can enjoy your senior years without unnecessary worry. We look forward to hearing from you
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