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 »
Posts Categorized: Health Care
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 »
Medicare Savings Programs Can Reduce Health Costs for Low-Income Seniors
Q. My wife and I are struggling with the financial cost of paying our Medicare premiums, deductibles and copayments. I hear there may be some government assistance available for seniors in our shoes. Do you know anything about these programs? A. Yes. You refer to the Medicare Savings Programs (“MSP’s”) available for low-income seniors to… Read More »
Will Mom Lose Medicare or Medi-Cal Coverage If She Leaves the Nursing Home To Visit Family?
Q. Mom has been receiving care in a nursing home. She is currently covered by Medicare, but soon will switch to Medi-Cal. She would really like to come to our home for a short visit for family celebrations. However, I heard that she might lose her coverage if she does so. Is that true? A…. 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 »