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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.

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. A new legislative effort aims to address a particularly perplexing issue: the distinction between hospital observation status and inpatient status, and its effects on Medicare coverage.

One strategy for protecting assets and qualifying for Medicaid that has gained attention in recent years is the use of promissory notes. This article will provide an explanation of promissory notes in the context of Medicaid planning, including their purpose, legality, implications, and considerations. Note that not all states allow promissory notes. Consult with an experienced elder law attorney before using one.

Many people believe estate plans are only for extremely wealthy families who are looking to reap tax benefits. Or they may delay estate planning because they are young. Others do not understand why an estate plan is important in the first place or feel it's too morbid a topic. But as the following list makes clear, estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or net worth.

You will exit your business at some point. Planning for that moment now by incorporating the business into your estate plan can help to set up you and your family for a successful next chapter. Succession planning is more than contingency planning — it’s part of a growth strategy.

After receiving an inheritance, some people blow through it surprisingly quickly. Here are some mistakes people make when inheriting money and how to avoid them. 

Having a durable power of attorney as part of your estate plan helps avoid the need for a court-appointed guardian or conservator, which can be costly and time-consuming allows you to maintain control over your future even if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.

Though Medicaid exists to help those who need it, navigating the specifics of what it covers and does not cover can be daunting. This article highlights the basics of Medicaid coverage, shedding light on its benefits and limitations.

Do you have a family member who is receiving some form of long-term care? If you don’t, the chances are good that someday you will – and that day may not be too far away. 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.

spouses, also receive a monthly benefit from Social Security. Spouses can collect Social Security benefits based on their fellow spouse’s work records. These benefits are also available to divorced spouses who meet certain criteria, even after an ex-spouse has remarried. Divorced spouses are entitled to survivor benefits as well in some situations.

At first glance, life insurance may not seem related to the distribution of money and property in your estate plan. However, it can be an integral and important part of a well-drafted estate plan. In addition to providing a sizable sum of money to your heirs, a life insurance policy offers other benefits.

Many people are familiar with a will as a means of distributing assets. A will is a legal document that outlines how a person's assets and property should be distributed after death. It allows individuals to specify who will receive belongings and in what proportions. Wills also designate guardians for minor children and can help minimize family disputes over inheritance. In some ways, a trust can be even more effective for asset distribution.

Estate planning for blended families is key to a smooth inheritance process. Probate rules and intestate succession law may not treat inheritance the same for stepchildren and biological children. Open communication about your estate plan is also helpful in managing the expectations of your heirs.

More and more elders are choosing to pass on their wealth to heirs while they’re still alive. The growing popularity of “giving while living” comes as good fortune for the many young people who are currently unable to afford a home. And for older homeowners, gifting home equity and other assets before death can be part of their estate planning strategy.

A contingent beneficiary is a type of beneficiary. If the first, or primary, beneficiary passes away, cannot be found, or does not want the asset, the contingent beneficiary may be next in line to receive it. Your contingent beneficiary is typically your second choice. Think of a contingent beneficiary as a backup beneficiary.

What would happen if you became seriously ill or injured and were no longer able to make your health care decisions? People of any age can lose capacity. They may have an accident, suffer a serious injury, or develop a disability at any point. A living will, a component of an advance health care directive, can outline your wishes so your loved ones can make informed decisions about your care in an emergency.

Probate is the legal process of formally recognizing a will after a person dies, naming or validating an executor to administer the estate, and distributing assets to intended beneficiaries. It also requires paying the decedent’s outstanding debts and federal and state taxes.

Whether your children are graduating with high school diplomas or completing higher education, it’s important to help them plan for their financial futures. You want to set a strong foundation for long-term financial stability by broadening their scope of financial literacy. Sharing the following tips can help prepare them.

Elder financial abuse is a significant issue affecting many older adults nationwide. It involves someone exploiting or misusing an older person’s finances or assets for personal gain. Often, the perpetrator is in a position of trust, such as a family member, abusive partner, or paid caregiver.

The challenges of providing quality care to an ever-larger senior population are numerous. Policy changes, investments in the health care workforce, technological advancements, and more may all be necessary. To ensure you have a plan in place for your care, connect with your elder law attorney sooner rather than later.

Cost and health considerations have led to a push for expanded coverage of weight loss drugs under public and private health insurance plans. While Medicare is forbidden to cover weight loss drugs, it can cover certain medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, when they’re prescribed to treat conditions other than weight loss.

Your parent may or may not have prepared for his or her elder years with a durable financial and medical power of attorney. If not, a guardianship or conservatorship may be necessary to protect your parent's best interests.

Wills and trusts are foundational estate planning tools. While each is used to distribute assets to beneficiaries, they do so in different ways. Each also has its own distinct uses and advantages. They’re often used together to close gaps in an estate plan and prepare for multiple scenarios that might otherwise cause unexpected burdens for heirs.

Today, an increasing number of people are planning their own funerals or memorial services. They may also designate their funeral preferences in detail and sometimes even pay for funeral ceremony in advance.

When a loved one passes away, it’s important to obtain several certified copies of the death certificate. This document is necessary to handle the financial and legal affairs of the deceased person.