Many of our clients have asked us what impact, if any, the legislative health care reform being considered would have on their future long term care costs. Most of the discussion about health reform has centered on issues like the “public option” and abortion restrictions. Putting aside the issue of whether such reform is warranted, […]
Category: Medicaid Planning
It is that time of year again — time to reassess whether your Medicare plan is working for you. Medicare’s open enrollment period began November 15 and continues until midnight December 31. During this period, you may enroll in a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan or, if you currently have a plan, you may […]
Price rollbacks throughout the U.S. economy during the past year did not apply to long-term care service providers, according to the 2009 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, and Home Care Costs. Private room nursing home rates rose 3.3 percent to $79,935 a year or $219 a day, while assisted […]
Although talking to your parents about money can be difficult, not discussing finances now could mean more problems and conflicts later. Can We Talk? is a practical guide to working with your parents to make financial plans and preserve legacies while you both still have the luxury of time.
Written by certified financial planner Bob Mauterstock, […]
If a senior has Medicare Part D, they may be at risk of falling into the coverage gap, or the so-called “doughnut hole.” While in the “doughnut hole a senior pays 100% for their drug costs, up to an additional $3,454 for 2009, after which catastrophic Medicare drug coverage kicks in. AARP has developed an […]
Due to budget cuts, Michigan’s Medicaid program has begun limiting coverage for certain medical expenses for all adult beneficiaries age 21 or older, which includes, obviously, seniors receiving nursing home Medicaid coverage. Effective July1, 2009, Medicaid will not pay for services from certain types of medical service providers.
As of July 1st, Michigan’s Medicaid program will […]
If someone is in need of nursing home level care, and if they don’t have long term care insurance, their assets will be consumed by such care costs at an rate of about $6,300.00 a month, until their assets are almost entirely consumed. However, there are planning techniques which can utilized to help someone qualified […]
A “Durable” Power of Attorney (”DPOA”) should be a part of every estate plan, regardless of whether you are using a will, a living trust, or do nothing at all. A DPOA is a legal document in which you appoint someone, called an “agent” or an “attorney-in-fact”, to handle your personal, non-medical, decisions. Without one, […]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has unveiled a one- to five-star rating system for nursing homes to help consumers evaluate a nursing home’s quality when selecting a facility. The ratings appear on the agency’s Nursing Home Compare website.
A five-star designation means the facility ranks “much above average,” four-star indicates “above average,” three […]
There is perhaps no more important task than hiring someone to assist with the personal care of family member. Given the recent proliferation of individuals and agencies holding themselves out as “home care givers” it is especially important to do your “homework” on the home helpers. Here are list of questions to ask in order […]
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