Sometimes seniors find themselves owing past-due federal taxes they cannot afford to pay. Although notices from the IRS can be especially frightening, there are solutions.If the sum owed is less than $50,000, the IRS will accept monthly payments over five years. For example, if $6,000 is owed to the IRS, monthly payments of around $100 […]
Health care reform legislation has been a major topic of debate at the federal level for a number of years now. Current Republican efforts are focused on trying to change the Affordable Care Act that was passed during the administration of President Obama. Several months ago the Republican controlled House of Representatives unveiled their latest […]
Supreme Court Says Retirement Plans From Church Affiliated Organizations Not Covered by Employee Retirement Security ActThe United States Supreme Court recently considered the issue of whether or not federal ERISA law applies to retirement plans sponsored by church-affiliated non-profit organizations that run hospitals and health care facilities. In a June 2017 ruling it held that […]
With Republicans in control of Congress and the presidency, there is talk of eliminating the federal estate tax. In 2017 the tax affects only estates over $5.49 million, meaning that for more than 99 percent of Americans, it’s already been repealed. With no estate tax, do you still need a trust? While trusts can be used […]
How Medicare and Employer Coverage CoordinateMedicare benefits start at age 65, but many people continue working past that age, either by choice or need. It is important to understand how Medicare and employer coverage work together.Depending on your circumstances, Medicare is either the primary or secondary insurer. The primary insurer pays any medical bills first […]
Medicare is offering relief from penalties for certain Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare Part A and had coverage through the individual marketplace. For a short time, these individuals will be able to enroll in Medicare Part B without paying a penalty for late enrollment.Individuals who do not enroll in Medicare Part B when they […]
A recent article in the New York Times discussed the relationship between the physical exercise of walking and the impact of vascular cognitive impairment. Vascular dementia is the second most diagnosed form of dementia, after Alzheimer’s disease. It is characterized by damaged blood vessels which impair blood flow to the brain. Patients often are also […]
There are a number of reasons why people avoid hiring a lawyer to assist them in their estate planning. Lawyers can be perceived as expensive and a hassle to deal with. Frankly, some people simply find dealing with an attorney stressful. And there certainly are some things that can be taken care of without legal […]
Representing a commitment to healthy, active aging and wellness, the National Senior Games Association (NSGA) governed its 30th biennial competition in June 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. Competitors are men and women ages 50 and over. NSGA is a nonprofit Multi-Sports Council member of the United States Olympic Committee. Since its inception, it has grown to […]
New Obama-era rules designed to give nursing home residents more control of their care are gradually going into effect. The rules give residents more options regarding meals and visitation as well as make changes to discharge and grievance procedures.The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid finalized the rules — the first comprehensive update to nursing home […]