An Opportunity You Don’t Want to Pass Up
This is a special time of year. No, I’m not talking about Halloween or the traditional holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. It is Medicare’s open enrollment period, a once a year special event. Medicare is one of the many government programs that can be maddeningly confusing. There are so
End of the World? Fat Chance
I was talking to Warren the other day about long term care and he said – jokingly, I think – that he didn’t need to plan because the end of the world was coming, October 21 to be specific. Usually, I hear people say that the government will bail them
The Death of CLASS
I’m not talking about a loss of manners or style or discretion in a world in which technology has helped push the doors open wide to reveal everything that used to be private or personal. That’s a whole other subject. I’m referring to CLASS, President Obama’s attempt to establish a
Be Nice to Me – I Pick Your Nursing Home!
For several years now, many regular readers of this blog have offered me kind words and feedback on my weekly stories and interesting posts, suggesting that I write a book. Well, I have finally taken their advice and am pleased to announce the publication of my first book, titled "Be Nice to
A Medicaid Millionaire
Much has been written about how much long term care is costing this country and specifically how much tax payer dollars are spent on government benefit programs, with those numbers continuing to rise. All true. But, government waste, ineptitude and an inability to eliminate fraud certainly play a role. An
Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts
Perhaps it’s a phrase you’ve heard before but aren’t aware of the history behind it. (More on that in a minute.) A recent New Jersey court case brought the statement to mind and left me shaking my head because it just reinforces why clients so need my services. Allow me
Are You Making Gifts You Aren’t Even Aware of? (Part 2)
We were discussing Eddie’s problem last week. His Dad needs nursing home care and, at a cost of $11,000 per month, Eddie was concerned that there would not be anything left for Mom if he didn’t look to qualify for Medicaid quickly. However, the family was totally in the dark
Are You Making Gifts You aren’t Even Aware of? (Part 1)
So often, when I explain to someone how the Medicaid lookback and transfer penalty work, the response I get back is, “Don’t worry. My parents haven’t made any gifts. We don’t have anything to worry about.” But, the term “gift” is such a subjective one. It can mean different things
The Single Most Dangerous Mistake When Applying for VA Benefits (Part 2)
Last week we were talking about Melissa’s call to our office. Her parents had been receiving VA benefits for 2 years while living in an assisted living facility and everything had been great. The reason she called us, however, is that Dad now needs nursing home care. Her parents have
The Single Most Dangerous Mistake When Applying for VA Benefits (Part 1)
Melissa called to explain her parents’ situation. Mom was 80 and Dad 85. For a number of years they had been receiving care at home from a home health aide. 2 years ago, Melissa attended a seminar offered by a financial advisor at a local assisted living facility about a