As part of the Affordable Care Act, the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office was established to eliminate the transition problems that are sometimes present when clients seek Medicare and Medicaid dual eligibility. As estate planning lawyers, we know the process for qualifying for Medicaid alone is overwhelming. There are the many guidelines and rules that can be confusing. From the spend down rules to the 5 year lookback period, our job is to guide our clients through the process so … [Read more...] about Understanding Medicare and Medicaid Dual Eligibility
Billions Gone: Medicare Advantage Plans Overcharges
In the one area of the federal government’s program budgeting that demands a higher commitment to accuracy and accountability, the collective Medicare Advantage Plans programs show neither. In a years-long investigation, complete with mounting evidence at every turn, there are still countless cases of government overpay. Our seniors and elderly are the ones who shoulder the results from a lack of oversight. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently revealed that as far back as … [Read more...] about Billions Gone: Medicare Advantage Plans Overcharges
Estate Planning for the Unmarried
According to the Pew Research Center, 20 percent of adults age 25 and older in 2012 had never married. That’s up from 9 percent in 1960. Further, the number of women age 40 to 44 who also have not borne children has increased from 10 percent in 1976 to 20 percent in 2005. Interestingly enough, that 20 percent decreased to 15 percent in 2014. These numbers reveal the growing number of Americans who need less of a traditional estate plan and more of a specific plan for their needs. Indeed, estate … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for the Unmarried
Your First Estate Planning Consultation
Many people choose to delay estate planning because they’re unsure of what to expect, how much of their finances and family dynamics they must reveal and what changes will come with taking that first step. It’s not an overwhelming amount of time that’s involved, but it’s absolutely crucial both for ourselves and our families. Not sure where to start in terms of finding the right estate planning attorney? It can seem like a shot in the dark, but there are a few factors that play a big role in … [Read more...] about Your First Estate Planning Consultation
What is a Letter of Last Instructions?
A letter of last instructions isn’t one of those legal documents that will greatly affect the way your estate is handled after you’re no longer here. Still, many clients opt to prepare an informal document they refer to as a letter of intent or letter of last instructions. The letter of intent can be beneficial and can be a big help to your loved ones in the days following your death. Simply stated, the letter of last instructions provide instructions or guidance for what you would like in those … [Read more...] about What is a Letter of Last Instructions?
The 3 Elements that Define Estate Planning
As estate planning lawyers, we know that our clients’ goals are always to preserve their assets in such a way that it benefits them after retirement while also providing for their loved ones when they’re no longer here. To accomplish that, there are three dynamics that must be addressed in order to have a more complete long term estate plan solution. Those three points include tax planning, financial planning and legal planning. Our team works closely with experts in the financial and tax … [Read more...] about The 3 Elements that Define Estate Planning
3 More Estate Planning Truths
Many make the wrong assumption about estate planning. Whether they believe it’s not necessary because the family is close or maybe someone believes he doesn’t have an estate, the reality is, everyone needs an estate plan. Their needs just differ. Here are a few more estate planning truths. Remember, an estate plan provides directions on how your estate should be divided. It provides clarity and eliminates potential problems. Probate Confusion Probate confusion often comes from … [Read more...] about 3 More Estate Planning Truths
Is the VA Outsourcing Veteran’s Healthcare?
Citing the growing demand from the Iraq/Afghanistan war, the Veteran’s Administration has restructured the way it delivers its healthcare. It’s ambitious, to be sure, but its goal is to expand the services while streamlining the logistics. This, it says, will not only improve care for younger veterans from the above mentioned wars, but it will also provide better care for aging Vietnam war veterans. The New Veterans Choice Program The new program will merge services into a single system to … [Read more...] about Is the VA Outsourcing Veteran’s Healthcare?
Should There Be Better Oversight of Nursing Home Trust Funds?
Did you know there are only a few states that require both a criminal background check and routine audits of nursing home trust funds? It’s surprising considering the growing number of fraudulent activities against the elderly. USA Today recently conducted an in-depth investigation into these trust funds and found that nearly half do not require background checks for nursing home office workers who handle their residents’ trust accounts. Worse, even fewer require routine audits of the funds … [Read more...] about Should There Be Better Oversight of Nursing Home Trust Funds?
The Documents that Create Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is uncomfortable. It’s also very personal and should be as unique as you. While there are never two people whose needs are identical, an experienced estate planning lawyer can ensure every need for every client is met. Not only that, but when it comes right down to it, it's less about you and more about protecting loved ones and putting into place necessary mechanisms for your assets to pass to those you choose. Of course, retirement planning plays a role and that is indeed about … [Read more...] about The Documents that Create Your Estate Plan
