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 tax form, as in years… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Uncategorized
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 »
Property Tax Loan Program Helps Seniors and Disabled Remain In Their Homes
Q. Our property taxes are due soon and we worry that we may not be able to pay them, as my wife and I had large care expenses this year. Are there any programs that we might turn to for help? A. Yes. California lawmakers have reinstated a program called the “Senior Citizens and Disabled Citizens… Read More »
A Primer on Adding Children to Bank Accounts
Q. My wife and I are thinking of adding our son and daughter to our bank accounts. What is the best way to do this and how should we title the accounts? A. Good question. The manner in which you add your children to your accounts will affect their rights of ownership, access to the… Read More »
Unique Long-Term Care Policy Offers Asset Protection
Q. While shopping for long-term care insurance, I heard something about a special kind of policy that offers asset protection by coordinating with Medi-Cal. Do you know anything about that? A. Yes, you refer to the California Long-Term Care Partnership Plan. California was one of the first states in the country to put together a… Read More »
Happy 800th Birthday, Magna Carta!
Q. I have been hearing snippets of news lately about the Magna Carta. What is it and why is it important? A. The Magna Carta of 1215 is considered by some to be the most important legal document created in Western Civilization during the last millennium. Historically, it was a peace treaty between King John… Read More »