Obamacare – What Seniors Need to Know (Part 2)
So, last week we were discussing the highlights of President Obama’s health care plan that most affect seniors. The closing of the infamous prescription drug donut hole is one. But there are others. Beginning in 2011 Medicare Advantage plans will have to reduce members’ out of pocket expenses for some more
Obamacare – What Seniors Need to Know
Recent studies have shown that most Americans, while fearful of President Obama’s new health insurance plan, (something which many opposed to the plan have been quick to capitalize on) don’t really know what’s in it. This is partly due to the President’s failure to educate the general public about it.
But Mom Wanted Me to Have the Money
In the last few years readers of my blog know that many of my posts are real stories that highlight the pitfalls and dangers of not putting together a plan for long term care until you are on the doorstep of the nursing home. Here’s another one, with names changed
The Money Wasn’t a Gift – It Was a Transfer to a Caregiver (Part 2)
We were discussing Jim’s dilemma with Medicaid last week. The State discovered additional assets that his grandmother owned, which were not disclosed by Jim’s dad when he filed the Medicaid application a year ago. They are now seeking $50,000 back. Jim believes the money was legitimately Dad’s but he probably
The Money Wasn’t a Gift – It Was a Transfer to a Caregiver (Part 1)
I received a call last week from Jim. His tale was a variation on the same theme you have heard me reiterate for the last few years if you have been reading my blog – how the Medicaid rules are a trap for the unwary. Jim’s dad had cared for
Do We Lose Benefits When Veteran Dies While Claim is Pending?
This is a common enough scenario, especially when it seems that the VA is taking longer to process claims than ever before. As with most VA questions, however, the answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the facts of the particular situation. But first let’s review. Specifically,
The Problem of the Unmarried Siblings – Part 2
Last week we were discussing Denise’s problem. Her Mom was one of 10 children. 2 of her uncles and 1 aunt had never married but lived together for many years. As their health declined Denise became their support system. We discussed how Medicaid views their assets and the trap that
The Problem of the Unmarried Siblings (Part 1)
Denise called me regarding her family. Her mom was one of 10 children. 3 of the siblings had never married but lived together for many years in a home they owned together. As they reached their 80’s the siblings’ health began to decline and Denise, as the closest family member,
New Regulations For Special Needs Trusts
I have written about special needs trusts in past posts on this blog. SNTs are a safe harbor for the assets of disabled individuals that allows them to receive government benefits and be able to use the trust assets to supplement those benefits, because we quickly find that what the
Mary’s Dilemma – Don’t Let it Be Yours
Mary called me in desperation. Her husband Bob had recently been hospitalized with heart problems. He is also struggling with the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. Mary has been able to administer care to this point but it has taken its toll on her physically and mentally and her children are