Q. I hear that Medicare has developed an “App” to help beneficiaries determine what benefits may be covered. Do you have any information on this? A. Yes. Recently, as part of its initiative focused on modernizing Medicare and empowering beneficiaries, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) has developed and launched a new “App”… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Uncategorized
An Approach to Handling Legal Affairs When Your Spouse Can’t Sign
Q. My husband suffers from dementia and we have significant expenses for care in the home. In order to help with these expenses, I have been thinking about selling our vacation property which we no longer use or cashing in one of his annuities. I would also like to set up a Living Trust and… Read More »
“I Owe It All To My Grandmother “
Q. Do you mind if I ask how you got started working with seniors and doing the kind of long-term care estate planning that you do? A. Not at all. In a word, I owe it all to my grandmother. After my grandfather died in the 1960s, my grandmother, Lena Ponsky, became the head of… Read More »
Planning an Inheritance for A Child or Grandchild on Public Benefits: The Special Needs Trust?
Q. One of my grandchildren has a disability and receives SSI and Medi-Cal. I would like to leave him a bequest from my estate when I pass. But won’t doing so cause him to lose his public benefits? A. Not if you plan correctly. As you probably know, your grandson cannot have more than $2,000… Read More »
Make Your Charitable Gifts Count Under the New Tax Law
Q. I am wondering if I can still get deductions for charitable gifts under the new tax law? Do you have any thoughts on this? A. Yes. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, effective this year, the traditional method of making a gift and itemizing your deductions on your Federal Income Tax Return, as… Read More »
Hang Up On Phony Calls from SSA
Q. I hear there is a new scam going around whereby seniors receive phone calls that appear to be from Social Security. Do you know anything about this? A. Yes. There is a spoofing scam going around the entire country whereby seniors receive calls which appear to be coming from the Social Security Administration, but… Read More »
Will Mom Lose Her SSI and Medi-Cal If She Sells Her Home?
Q. My mother, who receives Social Security, SSI and Medi-Cal, is thinking of selling her home and either buying a smaller condo, or possibly moving into a spare room in our home. When she sells her home, will she lose her any of her benefits? A. She won’t lose her Social Security, because eligibility does… Read More »
Proposed New Medicare Payment System May Affect Beneficiaries
Q. I hear that Medicare is proposing a new payment arrangement for doctors that may dramatically impact access to care by seniors and other beneficiaries. Do you know anything about that? A. You heard correctly. Medicare is proposing a new flat rate reimbursement system for doctors who treat Medicare patients. Some worry that the plan… Read More »
How to Reduce Medicare Surcharges When Your Income Changes
Q. My wife and I are being charged extra for Medicare Part B and prescription drug coverage premiums, apparently based upon our higher income in years past. Beginning last year, our income dropped significantly. Is there way to get the surcharges removed? A. Yes, if you can link the reduction in income to a “life… Read More »
Debt Relief For Low Income Seniors
Q. My wife and I have about $10,000 in credit card debt that we struggle to pay each month. Our incomes are very modest and all from Social Security and my work Pension. Is there any way that we can legally avoid paying this debt without dire consequences? A. Very likely, yes. Generally speaking, income… Read More »