Don’t Fall Victim to Elder Fraud (Part 2) #MondayMorningBlog
           Last week I was sharing with you the most common scams that target the elderly. This week let’s talk about tips to help avoid these scams, provided courtesy of the National Council on Aging. Never sign blank insurance claim forms. Never give blanket permission to a medical provider to bill for
Don’t Fall Victim to Elder Fraud
           In the information age and with the explosion of technology have come fraud, theft and deception of various kinds. Elder fraud is the act of targeting older adults by attempting to deceive them with promises of goods, services or financial benefits that do not exist, were never intended to
2016 VA and Medicaid – Changes and Trends #2016VA #2016 Medicaid
           This week I thought I would discuss some changes and trends that are - and in the future may - make it more difficult to qualify for two programs that provide critical benefits to pay for long term care, the VA’s Aid and Attendance and New Jersey’s Medicaid program.           Â
What Happens to Social Security Benefits after Death (Part 2) #SocialSecuritySurvivorBenefits
           A few weeks ago (1-11-16 post) I was discussing what happens to Social Security benefits when someone dies. Specifically I am talking about the entitlements of a surviving spouse. These benefits are commonly referred to as survivor benefits. Other family members, such as disabled children (provided the disability began before
Noticing Changes in Elderly Family Members (Part 2)
               Two weeks ago (1/4/16 post) I was pointing out that while the holiday season is a time when we reconnect with family who we may not have seen for some time, health and behavior changes in the elderly may also become more noticeable.              So what can or should you be doing?
What Happens to Social Security Benefits After Death #SocialSecurityBenefits
              It’s a common question we get all the time. How do I handle Social Security since Dad has died? The Social Security Administration must be notified as soon as possible when a recipient dies.               Usually notification is handled by the funeral director, however, if the funeral home doesn’t provide
Noticing Changes in Elderly Family Members
         The holiday season is a time to connect or reconnect with family. We might visit with parents or other family members that we haven’t seen in some time and that’s when changes in their health become more noticeable such as: Weight loss Deterioration in personal hygiene Unusually dirty or messy home Unusually loud
New Medicaid and VA Figures for 2016 #2016Medicaidnumbers
               Each year, many of the programs that, as elder law attorneys, we deal with daily, such as VA Aid and Attendance and Medicaid, are adjusted for inflation through a cost of living adjustment.                For 2016, the Social Security Administration announced that Social Security recipients will receive no increase, the
Medicare Numbers for 2016 #Medicare2016
           The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid has announced 2016 numbers for Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurances. Once again, the basic Medicare Part B premium will remain the same at $104.90. That number has not changed for the past 3 years.            However, approximately 30% of beneficiaries will receive an increase
Major Changes to Social Security on the Horizon (Part 2) #SocialSecuritychanges
           Last week we were discussing some of the changes to Social Security that will be happening in 2016. Let’s look at some more.            Under current rules, if a married beneficiary applies for Social Security benefits between age 62 and full retirement age (currently 66), he/she will receive whichever is