Author Archives: Moonan | Stratton

Using a Prepaid Funeral Contract to Spend Down Assets for Medicaid

In addition to helping your family after your death, a prepaid funeral contract can be a good way to spend down assets in order to qualify for Medicaid.

Don't Let Health Care Providers Use the Improvement Standard to Deny Medicare Coverage

Many health care providers are still not aware that Medicare is required to cover skilled nursing and home care even if a patient is not showing improvement.

Take These Three Steps When Your Child Turns 18

When your child reaches the age of 18, you no longer have the same level of access to, or authority over, his or her financial, educational and medical information. There are steps you can take to make sure your child is protected. 

How Medicare and Employer Coverage Coordinate

Medicare benefits start at age 65, but many people continue working past that age, either by choice or need. It is important to understand how Medicare and employer coverage work together.

Relief From Medicare's Part B Late-Enrollment Penalty Offered to Some

Medicare is offering relief from penalties for certain Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare Part A and had coverage through the individual marketplace. 

Are Trusts Still Useful If the Estate Tax Is Repealed?

With Republicans in control of Congress and the presidency, there is talk of eliminating the federal estate tax, which in 2017 affects only estates over $5.49 million, fewer than 1 percent of estates. With no estate tax, do you still need a trust?

Owe Back Taxes? The IRS May Grant You Uncollectible Status

Sometimes seniors find themselves owing past-due federal taxes they cannot afford to pay.  Although notices from the IRS can be especially frightening, there are solutions.