Tag: Elder Law
For years, it has been an article of faith that Medicare would not pay for services such as skilled nursing or physical therapy unless that care improved a patient’s health status. How did this misunderstanding go on for so long? Learning all the ins and outs of Medicare benefits can leave beneficiaries and patients more […]
A life estate is a deed that entitles you to remain in your home for the rest of your life and allows your designated heirs to inherit it without the hassle of probate-court proceedings when you die. How can you avoid probate when it comes to the transfer of your home after death? Maybe you […]
Could you be legally liable for paying for your parents’ care? Filial support laws exist in 29 states as well as Puerto Rico, and have quietly existed on the books for a long time. Now, however, these laws are a very real and present concern for the adult children of elderly loved ones. Fortunately, Forbes […]
[Pacemakers] prolong lives, but “all those people will face decisions down the road,” Dr. Mueller said. “’Do I keep it going? Do I turn it off?’” Physicians have similar questions, including what kinds of patients confront these choices and who usually winds up making these decisions. Do you or a loved one live with a […]
To avoid a crisis in your family, be sure your parent has the following documents. Some of the most important end-of-life planning should include making sure your loved ones have the legal right to take care of you later in life. Accordingly, there are some essential legal documents you really must have in place to […]
The fear that the government could one day seize their homes is deterring some people from signing up [for Medicaid]. Medicaid comes with a lot of give and take. It is a safety net for those who need it, but it does come with its drawbacks. One drawback many are now discovering is “Medicaid Asset […]
Emotionally, it’s hard to let go of a home filled with memories. Moving is a hassle, and downsizing to a smaller home isn’t always the cash bonanza some might expect. When entering your golden years of retirement, what is the ideal living arrangement for your new stage of life? Do you stay in your home […]
If you or a family member land in the hospital as an observation patient and think you should be admitted, it’s better to act sooner than later. When it comes to whether or not care is covered by Medicare, the distinction between being “admitted” or just “under observation” is critical. This is especially important when […]
We say it over and over again. Check your beneficiary forms! Don’t let your retirement funds go down the drain. Anything involving the court system is rarely quick and painless (probate anyone?). Fortunately, IRAs can easily be transferred to your loved ones outside of probate simply by completing a beneficiary designation form. But what if […]
My mother gave me money in 2009. Now (2013) she is in a nursing home and needs to get Medicaid. Does that money need to go back in her account because of Medicaid’s five-year lookback? Medicaid is wound tight with very well-intentioned rules to stop people from taking advantage of or “beating the system.” These rules […]
