Q. I am in my 70’s and receiving Social Security and Medicare. I am considering selling my home and moving into a Senior Living facility. I heard that the sale might affect my Medicare premium and Social Security benefits. Can you shed any light on this? A. I believe so, and you heard correctly if… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Medicare Issues
What’s in the New Inflation Reduction Act for Seniors?
Q. My wife and I have been following the news about the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act, and there seems to be significant benefits for seniors on Medicare. Can you provide more information? A. Sure. The recently signed Inflation Reduction Act has been considered by many as a blockbuster piece of legislation, perhaps one of… Read More »
Key Elder Law Numbers for 2021
To Our Clients and Friends: Below are updated numbers for 2021 that are frequently used in our Elder Law practice and which may be of interest to clients: Medi-Cal Spousal Impoverishment Numbers for 2021 The new Community Spouse Resource Allowance (“CSRA”) is $130,380. The Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (“MMMNA”) for the “At- Home” Spouse… Read More »
Medicare Relaxes Requirements for Nursing Home Coverage
Q. I hear that Medicare has announced that, due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, it will now be more generous in covering nursing home stays by relaxing some of its long-standing coverage requirements. Do you know anything about this? A. Yes. A bit of background may be helpful. Medicare has traditionally imposed three conditions as… 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 during the holidays. However, I heard that she might lose her coverage if she does so. Is that true? A…. Read More »
Take Advantage of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period; Reassess Your Options
Don’t let this period slip by without shopping around to see whether your current choices are the best ones for you. During this period you may enroll in a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan or, if you currently have a plan, you may change plans. In addition, during the seven-week period you can return… Read More »
Discrimination By Nursing Homes. Getting In Is Half the Battle
Q. If I seek entry into a nursing home for my mother, will it be tougher to find a bed if she goes in as a Medi-Cal beneficiary? A. Unfortunately, that is a distinct possibility. See the following article published by California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (“CANHR”), and re-printed here with permission: “Over the… 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 »
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 »
Medicare Extends Deadline To Seek Relief From Part B Late Enrollment Penalties
Q. My wife and I mistakenly signed up late for Medicare Part B and were assessed late enrollment penalties, which continue for life. Is there any way to request that they be eliminated? A. Possibly, if you meet the criteria for forgiveness and apply by the new deadline of September 30, 2018. Some background may… Read More »