This week, I had two experiences, one in my practice and one in my personal life, that reiterated how challenging our health care system is. First, I had to tell a client that while I could get her 19-year-old son DDD services, there is nothing I could do to get him covered by Medicaid during the two-year waiting period for him to become Medicare eligible.*» Read More
The world of professionals who work with seniors is abuzz over the film I Care a Lot. The film tells the story of a private guardian who preys on older adults. She moves them to long-term care facilities when they do not need such care and exploits them financially.» Read More
The Veterans Administration has announced several additional conditions that have been added to the list of presumptive diseases resulting in eligibility for VA disability benefits. Veterans who served in Vietnam and have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, or Parkinsonism will no longer have to prove exposure to Agent Orange or a relation between exposure and their disease.» Read More
Advocates are celebrating an important victory for individuals who provide care for their parents at home. The new decision will likely lead to a substantial expansion in the number of homes transferred to those caregivers. In A.M. v. Monmouth County Board of Social Services, the New Jersey Appellate Division recently reaffirmed the New Jersey regulation that allows older adults to transfer their homes to their adult caregiver children without Medicaid penalty.» Read More
On January 19, 2021, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule addressing Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D Prescription Programs. The rule is far-reaching, but I want to touch on some of the provisions particularly relevant to consumer education and access.» Read More
We have long known that seniors are more vulnerable to financial abuse. The COVID pandemic has only amplified this problem due to the increased social isolation and stress it has wrought. Perpetrators look for opportunities when their victims are most vulnerable.» Read More
For most of us, the prospect of $600 (or perhaps even $2,000) appearing in our bank account is a welcome gift. However, if our loved one is on Medicaid it can fill us with concern. How can this money be used?» Read More
If you receive Social Security or SSI, you likely have already noticed that your check is slightly larger this year. The Social Security Administration has provided a 1.3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for benefit payments. This brings the federal SSI payment to $794.» Read More
Should I Consent to My Ward/Loved One Getting Vaccinated?
Remember that you are obligated to consult your ward and apply the substituted judgment standard; that means making the decision based on their previously expressed wishes and values, not what you or their physician thinks is best for them.» Read More
