Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 24, 2023 |
A qualified personal residence trust (QPRT) is an irrevocable trust used to achieve estate and gift tax savings. The basic idea behind a QPRT is to transfer the equity in a qualified residence out of a person’s estate and to his or her heirs while reaping lower transfer tax consequences.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 22, 2023 |
Estate planning, or legacy planning, entails preparing your affairs for the future, including death and other life events. While older adults might give more thought to estate planning, it is an essential tool at any age.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 20, 2023 |
Choosing an executor is a big decision when it comes to estate planning. So, what should I know about being an executor? What should I consider before naming an executor? Here are answers to three common questions about executors.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 17, 2023 |
It is an unpleasant thought, but death is a reality we all must face. One way to cope with the loss of a loved one is to be prepared for their final send-off. Funerals are expensive. For Medicaid recipients and their families, it is unlikely they will have the money to cover them when the time comes.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 15, 2023 |
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal agreement that gives a person (agent or attorney in fact) the ability to act on behalf of another person (principal). A common question asked about POAs is under what circumstances a person can override them.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 14, 2023 |
The debate among lawmakers on further expanding Medicaid in some 11 states continues to evolve. Depending on where you reside, passage of such an expansion could mean you become newly eligible for Medicaid.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 13, 2023 |
The person you name as your executor will be accountable for a number of important tasks, even in managing the administration of a small estate. This may include filing tax returns, keeping meticulous records, and distributing assets to your beneficiaries. At the same time, there are rules about what the person in this role is not permitted to do.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 12, 2023 |
When it comes to filing your 2022 federal tax return for the 2023 tax season, you may be able to access several forms of assistance for free.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 11, 2023 |
As we near retirement, we may assume that once Medicare kicks in, our medical insurance premiums will be fixed. However, many people may not realize that there are special rules regarding how much they pay for Medicare Parts B and D if they are in a higher income range.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 10, 2023 |
A health savings account may help you save money on medical expenses, depending on your insurance type. If you are eligible, you can use your health savings account (HSA) to cover certain medical costs.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 08, 2023 |
Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are long-term housing and care options for older adults. Although people sometimes use the terms assisted living and nursing home synonymously, they are distinct.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 07, 2023 |
Are you a taxpayer who has purchased long-term care insurance (LTCI)? Take note of your policy details and your premium amount, as you may be able to deduct the cost – or at least part of it – from your 2023 income.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 06, 2023 |
Congress established the Medicaid Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program to provide states with federal funding to help seniors who are receiving care in institutions but want to live at home.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 03, 2023 |
The Senate and House have cleared the passage of a year-end $1.7 trillion appropriations bill that will benefit older adults on a number of fronts.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Mar 01, 2023 |
Long-term care insurance helps you prepare for financial costs associated with aging, such as nursing home care, assisted living, or in-home care. Yet long-term care insurance policies vary widely in terms of the amount of coverage and how long the protection lasts.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Feb 22, 2023 |
Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff work hard to care for their patients when they are sick or hurt. However, even when a procedure is done to save a patient’s life, a hospital cannot act without patient consent. If a patient cannot speak for themselves and express their wishes, the hospital relies on what is known as a health care proxy form.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Feb 21, 2023 |
A charitable lead annuity trust (CLAT) is an estate planning tool whereby a person (grantor) creates a trust that initially benefits a charitable organization, foundation, or other qualifying entity for a defined period.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Feb 14, 2023 |
A testamentary trust allows a testator to manage wealth by giving a trustee instructions for distributing their property after the trustee’s death. A testamentary trust is a part of the testator’s last will and testament.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Feb 08, 2023 |
Older adults have access to hundreds of federal and state benefits programs. Many retirees meet the requirements for these aids, yet do not know they are eligible and miss opportunities to receive assistance.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Feb 07, 2023 |
Recent news stories may have made you aware of the “step-up in basis” and the current administration’s desire to eliminate or adjust it.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Feb 01, 2023 |
Many senior citizens may need the services of a nursing home or at-home care at some point in their life. You might assume that government assistance or health insurance will step in and cover the cost if you cannot afford these services. Unfortunately, neither health insurance nor Medicare covers long-term care.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jan 31, 2023 |
Traditional Medicare does not pay for assisted living, but Medicaid might.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jan 25, 2023 |
Saying goodbye to a loved one is heartbreaking. Making final arrangements can be overwhelming, and knowing what you are allowed to do to fulfill your loved one's wishes is important, but it can also be confusing. If the person you lost wanted to be cremated and have their ashes spread, you should know where you can scatter their ashes to make sure that putting your loved one to rest is done appropriately.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jan 24, 2023 |
In November 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Medicare coverage will be expanded to include medically necessary dental services.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jan 23, 2023 |
Totten trusts, or payable-on-death bank accounts, are an estate planning tool that allows you to transfer money to a chosen person upon your death. When you make a Totten trust, you put funds into a revocable trust and designate a beneficiary to receive them.