Medicare, a health insurance benefit for people 65 and older, has imposed an artificial “improvement” requirement to obtain certain Medicare benefits, including coverage to pay for rehabilitative services after a 3-day hospital stay. On October 16, 2012 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) agreed to settle a case, Jimmo v. Sebelius, which removed…
DetailsA bill was introduced in the House of Representatives to require the Congressional Budget Office to study the impact of a ten-year “look-back” for asset transfers to qualify for Medicaid. [House Bill 6300]. What does this mean for seniors who plan on Medicaid helping them pay for their long term care expenses? There is no…
DetailsSome people don’t like their spouse. Idaho has a law [Idaho Code Section 15-2-406] that allows a married person to disinherit his or her spouse. § 15-2-406. LIMITATIONS ON EXEMPT PROPERTY AND HOMESTEAD ALLOWANCE BY WILL The decedent may provide by will that a surviving spouse, and/or adult children, but not minor or disabled children:…
DetailsBy: Susan M. Graham, Certified Elder Law Attorney George, a widower, died yesterday. Already his family is arguing about what to do with his remains. Should he be buried or cremated? If he is buried, which cemetery is the “right” one? If he is cremated, can some of his children take a portion of his…
DetailsThe U.S. Government has no money! Can seniors expect help from the government to pay their long term care expenses? Who needs long term care? People over age 65 have a 50-70% chance of needing care before they die. What does it cost? At home: $20 per hour to $15,000/month for 24-hour care Assisted Living: …
DetailsIf you are a senior and plan to move in with one of your children, there are a few things to settle. Talk about finances, privacy and duties. Finances: How much will you, the parent, contribute on a monthly basis and what will you receive in return? The payments made to children can be treated…
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