Our Centennial Estate Planning Attorney Explains Previous blogs discussed the importance of estate planning. Without an estate plan in place, it may be more difficult to pass along your assets to your loved ones after your passing. An estate plan makes your last wishes known and legally binding. A pour-over will is another estate planning … Continue reading
Our Centennial Estate Planning Attorney Answers Your Questions There are many different estate planning tools that can simplify matters for your beneficiaries after your death. One of those tools is a life estate. If you have a home that you want to pass to a beneficiary, such as a child or grandchild, then you should … Continue reading
A person who was referred by their neighbor who is an individual with special needs recently called our office. The person’s son had special needs and the family was hoping to qualify him for public benefits (such as Medicaid and SSI), when they passed away. The family attended a special needs trust workshop that we … Continue reading
It may become harder for Medicare beneficiaries to find home health care due to a new rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Although the rule changes the way home health care providers are reimbursed, it could affect patient care as well. Starting in January 2020, Medicare will reimburse home health agencies … Continue reading
Raising a grandchild can be tough financially, but grandparents should be aware that there is a tax credit available that could help them. Working grandparents who are supporting their grandchildren may qualify for the earned income tax credit, which could reduce the amount they pay in taxes by thousands of dollars or allow them to … Continue reading
The Trump administration is officially rolling back a ban on the use of arbitration agreements by nursing homes that was initiated under President Obama. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a rule that once again allows nursing facilities to use arbitration to settle disputes with residents. Historically, nursing homes increasingly asked — … Continue reading
Hospice care is supposed to help terminally ill patients maintain their quality of life at the end of their life, but two new government reports find that serious problems in some hospices may be actually causing harm to hospice patients. The reports propose that additional safeguards are needed. Medicare provides a comprehensive hospice benefit that … Continue reading
Older Americans with a life insurance policy that they no longer need have the option to sell the policy to investors. These transactions, called “life settlements,” can bring in needed cash, but are they a good idea? If your children are grown and your mortgage paid off, you may decide that there is no longer … Continue reading
Medicaid is an essential state and federal program for individuals and families across the country. Without this program, people with limited funds and resources would be unable to afford their medical expenses. However, the process of signing up for Medicaid is extremely important. It is very easy to make mistakes that can cost you considerable … Continue reading
Thinking about your funeral may not be fun, but planning ahead can be exceedingly helpful for your family. It both lets them know your wishes and assists them during a stressful time. The following are steps you can take to plan ahead: Name who is in charge. The first step is to designate someone to make … Continue reading
