Elder Law & Estate Planning News

You generally must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and Part B before you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. To join a Medicare Advantage plan, contact the plan and ask if it is accepting new member enrollments or if it has a waiting list. 

Medicare open enrollment is on the horizon. Start thinking about changes you may want to make to your coverage. Some significant changes have come along for Medicare, with more taking effect in the near future.

Hearing loss is common in older adults, but many still don’t wear hearing aids. In addition to helping people to hear better, hearing aids have been demonstrated to have a positive impact on physical and mental health.

Keeping track and making sense of government policies and presidential candidates’ promises can be daunting during any election year. This year is no exception.

A fundamental aspect of a representative democracy is the right to vote, shared by all eligible citizens, whether or not they have full cognitive abilities.

On July 12, 2024, the SSA announced a change affecting many account users. Those who created a my Social Security account before September 18, 2021, must transition to a different type of online account known as a Login.gov.

Medicare tax is an essential component of the United States tax system. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the solvency and functionality of the Medicare program.

Failing to maintain and make new meaningful connections as older adults age can lead them toward a deep sense of loneliness. This can affect their mental and physical health, including increased risk of heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.

Older drivers are among the safest of all drivers, a AAA report showed. Nonetheless, state senior driving laws vary widely across the country.

In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, one critical challenge has been ensuring that Medicare recipients receive the coverage they need without undue financial burdens.

Effective September 30, 2024, a new Social Security Administration rule is likely to allow more elders to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Some current SSI recipients may see an increase in their monthly benefit amount.

Thanks to a new rule recently finalized by the federal government, obtaining and renewing health care coverage under the Medicaid program is set to become easier for millions of Americans.

A promissory note is normally given in return for a loan. Classifying transfers as loans rather than gifts can be useful because it sometimes allows parents to “lend” assets to their children and still maintain Medicaid eligibility.

As the U.S. population ages and life expectancies increase, the need for long-term care is becoming an important consideration for many individuals and families.

Though Medicaid exists to help those who need it, navigating the specifics of what it covers and does not cover can be daunting. Here are highlights on the basics of Medicaid coverage.