When people find out that Medicare won’t cover nursing home care but Medicaid will, a question comes to mind: Can you give assets to your family to qualify for nursing home Medicaid? The answer is yes, you can transfer assets to your family before applying for nursing home Medicaid, but the timing and the method … Read more
A lot of people think of the retirement pension based on 20+ years of service when a military pension is discussed. In reality there is another pension simply call the Veterans Pension that sits apart from the retirement pension. This pension is largely for seniors, and it can make a difference if you are living … Read more
Many Texans assume that once Medicaid helps pay for long-term care, the story ends there. Coverage arrives, care is provided, and the home remains intact. What often comes as a surprise is what happens later. After death, Texas has the legal right to seek repayment through the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program, commonly called MERP. For … Read more
When you are going to qualify for Medicare as a senior, you may take some things for granted. Yes, there are out-of-pocket costs, but they are manageable for most people. The big-ticket items will definitely be covered, and this can provide a sense of security. This makes sense on the surface, but there’s an element … Read more
Elder financial abuse has become one of the most pressing threats facing older adults in Fort Worth and throughout Texas. The problem grows each year as seniors live longer, manage more assets, and rely on others for help with daily tasks. Financial exploitation often hides in plain sight, and the people committing it are frequently … Read more
Most seniors want to remain in their own homes as long as possible. Familiar surroundings, supportive neighbors, and independence all make aging in place attractive. The challenge is that long-term care often becomes necessary, and paying for it can overwhelm even comfortable retirement savings. Medicare does not pay for custodial care, so many families turn … Read more
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over half of elders will need paid long-term care. About 35 percent will spend time in nursing homes, which are exorbitantly expensive. If you aren’t too concerned because you will have Medicare, here’s a news flash: Medicare doesn’t extend to the custodial care you would … Read more
One day, we all face the inevitable call: a parent or loved one has fallen seriously ill. Amid the initial wave of concern and sadness, the question inevitably arises, “What do I do now?” If your parents have prepared an effective estate plan, the path forward can be significantly more straightforward and less overwhelming. A … Read more
When you hear the term “Medicaid planning,” you may be a bit confused because it is a program for low-income people. It’s a safety net for those who need it, but it’s not something to aspire to, right? That make sense until you understand a few facts about Medicare and long-term care, and we will … Read more
Your parents were there to guide you through childhood, providing comfort and support as you faced challenges. Now, as the years pass, you find yourself watching them take unsteady steps into the realm of aging. You want to be there for them as they face these new challenges, offering help without taking away their independence. … Read more