Proposed New Medicare Payment System May Affect Beneficiaries
Medicare is proposing a new flat rate reimbursement system for doctors who treat Medicare patients. Some worry that the plan may cause fewer doctors to accept Medicare.
Lawsuit Alleges Assisted Living Facilities Discriminate Against Wheelchair Users
A lawsuit in New York state highlights an issue with some assisted living facilities: No wheelchairs allowed.
Where’s My New Medicare Card? How to Find Out the Status
The federal government has begun mailing new Medicare cards to 59 million Americans. You should keep track of when your new card will arrive and contact Medicare if you don't receive it.
Momentous Life Events Prompt Estate Plan Review
One of the most commonly asked questions we hear from our estate planning clients is “How often should I update my estate plan?” As a general rule, our recommendation is that – no matter your age or your health – you should review your plan every two to three years, and more frequently if you…
Lessons Learned from Barbara Bush’s End-of-Life Decisions
While Barbara Bush’s family recently made public her decision to pursue “comfort care” at the end of her life, it is estimated that nearly two out of three Americans do not have a health care directive in place. According to an April 2018 Forbes article, “This is no surprise to those who knew Mrs. Bush…
Medicare Extends Deadline for Relief from Part B Penalties
Medicare is extending its offer of relief from penalties for certain Medicare beneficiaries who failed to sign up for Medicare Part B because they had coverage through the individual insurance marketplace.
The Little-Known Tax on Roth 401(k) Distributions
There are two main types of employee retirement savings plans: the traditional 401(k) and the Roth 401(k). Distributions from a Roth 401(k) are usually tax-free, but there is a little-known situation where distributions can be taxed.
When Can an Adult Child Be Liable for a Parent’s Nursing Home Bill?
Although a nursing home cannot require a child to be personally liable for their parent's nursing home bill, there are circumstances in which children can end up having to pay.
Court Overturns Obama Rule Protecting Investors Saving for Retirement
A U.S. court has struck down a rule intended to prevent financial advisers from steering their clients to bad retirement investments, but there is a new proposal to address the same problem.
More States Asking to Eliminate Retroactive Medicaid Benefits
Arizona and Florida are the latest states to request a waiver from the requirement that states provide three months of retroactive Medicaid coverage to eligible Medicaid recipients.