There has been a five year look back period for the transfer of assets for individuals seeking long term nursing home care for many years now. Any transfer of assets or sale of assets during this period of time can make an individual ineligible for receiving Medicaid nursing care benefits. The transfer of assets or the sale of assets will cause an … [Read more...]
The Right To Die
There was a recent case in Long Island, New York concerning issues surrounding "the right to die." Sungeon Grace Lee, age 28, decided her life was no longer worth living. She advised her doctors she wanted to end her life by cutting off the life support system keeping her alive. Her parents, who are deeply religious, vehemently opposed their … [Read more...]
The United Kingdom’s Discriminatory Royal Laws
The British government has recently accepted the fact that the laws in the United Kingdom concerning succession to the throne are discriminatory against women. Current rules for succession in Great Britain state that daughters are over looked in favor of later born sons. Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton has brought this issue before the … [Read more...]
Retirement Planning Mistakes
Americans do not save enough money during the course of their working years to have the retirement life experience they have dreamed about. In a recent study by the Employment Benefit Research Institute, fifty-six percent of the workers interviewed stated that the total value of their household savings and investments, without including the equity … [Read more...]
Abuse of the Elderly for Financial Gain
In the year 2000, Howard Thomas suffered severe dementia. He also had terminal cancer. In early 2001, his daughter, who was his primary caretaker, took a short vacation. He was left in the care of a Nidia Thomas. While Mr. Thomas’s daughter was away, Nidia arranged for a $150,000 bank account in Mr. Thomas’s name to be retitled from his name to a … [Read more...]
Baby Boomers Will Have Trouble Retiring
Baby Boomers are going to have difficulty retiring. Recent studies indicate that baby boomers will work four years more than earlier generations due to the economic problems they have faced in recent years. The years following retirement are referred to as the "golden years". There may not be much gold left for the baby boomers! Baby boomers are … [Read more...]
The New Health Care Law – Affordable Care Act
The Republicans in Congress are challenging the health care law passed in 2010 by President Obama and the Democratic controlled Congress. Question: How does the health care law affect you? Americans between the ages of fifty and sixty-four will be significantly affected by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Unfortunately, due to the economic … [Read more...]
Medicare: How Do We Reform This Program?
Cutting Doctor Reimbursements Congress is considering a 23% reduction in the reimbursement to physicians who render medical treatment to Medicare patients. Will doctors accept this type of reduction? There is concern that the doctors will simply refuse to treat Medicare patients if they are not paid a reasonable fee. This will force … [Read more...]
Caring for Senior Citizens From Long Distance
When we were born, our parents cared for us. Are we up to the task of taking care of our parents when they grow old? This is especially difficult when you don't live near your parents. Siblings Nearby Some people are lucky, in that a brother or sister lives near their parents. While the sibling becomes the primary caretaker, it is … [Read more...]
Why Create An Irrevocable Trust?
Irrevocable trusts cannot be changed. They are permanent trusts. Asset Protection: When you place your assets in irrevocable trust, you remove ownership and control of those assets from the creator of the trust. These types of trusts are used for Medicaid planning purposes. It should be noted that there is a five year look-back period for … [Read more...]