Q. You recently wrote an article advising that Governor Newsom was proposing a return to the former asset cap of $2,000 for those older individuals seeking to qualify for Medi-Cal. Has there been any decision on this? A. Yes, indeed! And the news is not as bad as many of us feared. A little background… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Health Care
Governor Proposes to Restore Medi-Cal Resource Caps
Q: I just heard that Governor Newsom has proposed the reinstatement of the former asset test to qualify for Medi-Cal benefits. Is this true and, if so, what does this mean for seniors who might need long term care in the future? Is there anything we should do now to plan for this change? A: … Read More »
Financial Help for Care at Home: the IHSS Program
Q. I recall reading your article some time back about seeking benefits for care in the home, but I did not save it. Could you address the issue again? Our 92 year-old mother is frail but wishes to remain at home. She has limited financial resources, so my sister is living with her and providing… Read More »
Advance Care Planning: Making Sure Your Loved One’s Wishes Are Honored
Q. Our parents are up in years and have become increasingly frail. I know that they both have definite wishes about advance care planning and end-of-life decisions. Any suggestions on how we might help them make sure that their wishes are honored? A. Yes, I do. The first step is to begin the conversation. There… Read More »
A Novel Gift Idea for the Graduate
Q. Our grandson will be graduating from college soon, and we would like to get him a gift which recognizes the beginning of his adult life and career. We thought that something of a “legal” nature might be worthwhile, and wondered if you have any ideas? A. Great thought and indeed I do. Why not arrange… Read More »
Are You Missing Out on Benefits?
Q. Is there any resource on the Internet which has a compilation of benefit programs for seniors, all in one place and that’s easy to use? A. Yes! You may be unaware that seniors have access to hundreds of federal and state benefits programs that may assist them. Many retirees meet the requirements for these… Read More »
Mediation Can Help Preserve Family Harmony
Q. My parents are aging and I find that they are in greater need of assistance for care, paying bills, shopping, and the like. The problem is that there are four of us children and we do not always agree on what is best for mom and dad. I am concerned that, as my parents’… Read More »
The Current Pandemic and Your Estate Planning Documents
Q. My wife and I signed our estate planning documents quite some time ago. In view of the current COVID-19 Pandemic, we wonder whether there are any revisions we should consider? A. Excellent question. The short answer is, “Yes”. Here are some specific suggestions relating to some important estate planning documents which you probably signed:… Read More »
Medicare Launches A New “App” To Help Seniors Figure Out What’s Covered
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 »
New Law Designed To Facilitate CA Organ Donations
Q. My wife and I are about to prepare Advance Health Care Directives, with an option to donate our organs. I hear there is a new law that touches on this. Do you know anything about this? A. Yes. The new law is AB 3211, effective January 1, 2019, and designed to make it easier… Read More »