Aging-in-place is a relatively new phrase used to describe something which has been very desirable to millions of Americans. The goal of aging-in-place is to remain in your chosen home, safely, for as long as possible. As we age and our physical and cognitive functioning changes, so should our chosen surroundings. For instance, over 30% […]
Because of the difference in the legal obligations and duties between being a conservator and a health An important aspect of the estate planning work we do for clients is to take steps to manage potential health-related issues. We do that in part by making sure that our clients’ plans include the right type of […]
For those who travel often, airline frequent flyer programs can be quite valuable. Accumulated miles from time spent in the air can be prudently utilized by consumers for deeply discounted or free flights. That can be quite beneficial. But have you ever considered what happens to those accumulated frequent flyer miles if the consumer dies […]
Millions of Americans rely on Social Security for some or all of their retirement income, and millions more are paying into the system in the expectation that it will be there for them when they retire. What changes should be made to the current Social Security system, if any, to keep it solvent and ensure […]
Medicare beneficiaries may now discuss options for care at the end of life with their health care providers. Beneficiaries of course were already free to talk about advance care planning with their doctors or other qualified health professionals, but the practitioners could be reimbursed for such discussions only during a patient’s “Welcome to Medicare” visit, […]
As long-term care insurance premiums keep rising and fewer companies are offering policies, seniors are looking for other ways to help pay for long-term care. Annuity “nursing home doublers” have emerged as a new long-term care option. These doublers can be beneficial, but as with any annuity product, customers should use caution before purchasing. An […]
If you don’t pay your debts, creditors can get a court order to garnish your wages, but what if your income comes from Social Security? The answer is that it depends on the kind of debt. For most types of debt, including credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans, Social Security cannot be garnished to […]
If you transfer assets within five years of applying for Medicaid, you will likely be subject to a period of ineligibility. There is an exception, however, if enforcing the penalty period would cause the applicant an “undue hardship.” This exception is difficult to prove and rarely granted, but it may be possible in certain circumstances. […]
Life Care Planning Lawyers – CT While there is currently no national tracking of instances of financial exploitation of elders, a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Justice found that about 60 percent of the study’s adults over the age of 60 had been targeted by scams. Additionally, many seniors find themselves victimized […]
In December 2014, the federal government enacted a new law called “The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act” (“ABLE”). The general premise of ABLE is to permit certain disabled individuals to set up a special bank account that would be disregarded as an asset for most federal public benefits, such as Medicaid. This would allow […]