Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Oct 24, 2023 |
Many older adults can no longer safely live on their own. However, they may not need the highly specialized care of nursing homes. Intermediate care facilities present one option for older adults who cannot live independently but require daily assistance.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Oct 18, 2023 |
The No Surprises Act is a federal law enacted to protect patients from unexpected medical bills incurred on or after January 1, 2022. It aims to address the issue of surprise medical billing, which can occur when patients receive unexpected charges for their medical care. The Act applies to out-of-network emergency services, out-of-network air ambulance services, and certain out-of-network care received at in-network facilities.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Oct 16, 2023 |
Preparing and organizing your financial information for when you are no longer capable will bring peace of mind to you today. At the same time, it may relieve your loved ones’ burden in the future. You’ll ensure proper management of your financial situation and remain in control over your end-of-life care and legacy. The goal is to make and maintain accurate financial records.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Oct 12, 2023 |
Many family circumstances can increase the risk of probate litigation. High-risk factors that often bring about probate litigation can include sibling rivalry, second marriages without a prenuptial agreement, and dysfunctional family dynamics.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Oct 10, 2023 |
After losing a spouse or longtime partner, it’s difficult to look past your grief. However, it’s crucial to understand the important and timely decisions you must make regarding your finances and personal estate plan.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Oct 08, 2023 |
Most estate planning attorneys can help you craft an estate plan that minimizes or avoids probate altogether. Probate proceedings are part of the public record and can be very time-consuming and expensive. However, in nearly every case, to some extent probate is necessary. So, it’s important to understand how to navigate the process.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Oct 04, 2023 |
Nearly every United States citizen is aware of the option to be (or not to be) an organ donor. What most people do not realize is how the law in this area has evolved from “opt in” to essentially “opt out”. There is an important distinction between the two.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Sep 29, 2023 |
Outlining your wishes for burial and funeral arrangements can be something you include in your estate plan. And though it may sound jarring, human composting is in fact a death care alternative that is increasing in popularity. As more people look to adopt environmentally sustainable practices not only in life, but now also in death, this “green” alternative may become more of a norm in the future.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Sep 28, 2023 |
According to Pew Research, 30 percent of adults in the United States report owning a firearm. Gun sales have risen in recent years, particularly during the Coronavirus pandemic. While many reported having weapons for protection and hunting, 6 percent owned guns that were family heirlooms.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Sep 27, 2023 |
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) took effect on Jan. 1, 2018, and impacted personal income taxes, small businesses, estate tax rules, capital gains rules, special needs accounts, and much more. The TCJA is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025. This will lead to significant changes for taxpayers. So, are there ways to avoid potential tax impacts to you or your loved ones?
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Sep 25, 2023 |
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, which went into effect in 2020, changed how beneficiaries of inherited retirement accounts must withdraw these funds. The Act’s "enhancement" was to make it more difficult for individuals to pass their retirement savings on to their heirs without tax liability.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Sep 21, 2023 |
Elder law attorneys may specialize in estate planning, incapacity planning, and end-of-life care for seniors. They also help older adults remain in their homes as they age and protect them from abuse.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Sep 20, 2023 |
The Social Security Administration (SSA) website hosts a wealth of online tools that offer you convenient access to benefits information. To make the most of these tools, simply create a my Social Security account online. It is free to set up a mySSA account.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Sep 19, 2023 |
Some Medicare Advantage beneficiaries receive Medicare flex cards, pre-paid debit cards for qualifying expenses, as part of their benefits. The U.S. government does not issue Medicare flex cards. This benefit is only available on select Medicare Advantage plans, a private alternative to Medicare.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Aug 30, 2023 |
America has three major housing issues for seniors: affordability, physical accessibility, and access to medical care and other services. There is a need for creative solutions to housing. Innovative long-term care housing for seniors tries to solve these problems. These new potential living arrangements for seniors may provide older people with the care, protection, and resources they need to age peacefully.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Aug 28, 2023 |
Although Medicare funds some home health care services, a recent study has found that Medicare beneficiaries are underutilizing the program’s home health care options. Many older adults do not receive the home-based clinical care or home-based long-term services and supports that could benefit them.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Aug 25, 2023 |
Creating a spendthrift trust for your loved one can limit their spending and protect wealth. While this type of trust may come at the expense of their autonomy, it can provide them with greater financial security.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Aug 23, 2023 |
Starting an estate plan can be overwhelming, and you probably have many questions. You are not alone. Below are eight questions people often ask about last wills and testaments as they begin to think about estate planning.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Aug 18, 2023 |
Although in some situations the advantages outweigh the disadvantages when selecting beneficiaries, there are always exceptions.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Aug 16, 2023 |
Life estates are ways for you to transfer property to another party while retaining the right to live there until you pass away, or some other event occurs. As the grantor of the life estate deed, you become a life tenant of the property.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Aug 14, 2023 |
When individuals cannot manage their finances, courts can appoint guardians. Financial guardianship is for those who need help handling money.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Aug 10, 2023 |
Seniors and disabled citizens will receive more access to the Medicare Extra Help Program as of the beginning of 2024, the federal government announced. This expansion of benefits could enable up to 3 million people to reduce their prescription drug costs.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jul 26, 2023 |
When Geraldine Tyler, age 94, relocated to a senior community, she stopped paying property taxes on her home. After the property was foreclosed on, the county where Tyler’s home was located sold the property for $40,000 to recover about $15,000 in unpaid property taxes. Tyler received none of the remaining profits from the sale. Tyler took her case to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that Tyler’s local government violated the U.S. Constitution by keeping more money than it was owed and not returning surplus funds to her.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jul 24, 2023 |
Under a federal pilot program, a number of states are using Medicaid funds to cover healthy food costs for Medicaid recipients. Ultimately, the trial program seeks to determine whether nutrition support can help prevent and manage certain chronic illnesses related to diet.
Posted by Nina Whitehurst | Jul 21, 2023 |
Estate planning is an important consideration for all couples. However, for LGBTQ+ couples (or former couples), it may be more important than they realize to review their circumstances and see whether they have an estate plan that accurately reflects their wishes.