The Costs of the Rising Cost of Long-Term Care
As the U.S. population ages and life expectancies increase, the need for long-term care is becoming an important consideration for many individuals and families.
Understanding Medicaid: What Does Medicaid Cover?
Though Medicaid exists to help those who need it, navigating the specifics of what it covers and does not cover can be daunting. Here are highlights on the basics of Medicaid coverage.
Does Divorce Affect Social Security Spousal Benefits?
As a spouse, you have the option of claiming a Social Security retirement benefit based on your own earnings record or collecting a spousal benefit equal to half of your spouse's Social Security benefit.
Senators Propose Boosting Seniors’ Social Security Benefits
In late March 2024, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act. The Act centers on changing the formula that the SSA uses to calculate Social Security benefits for older adults.
Could Medicaid Payback Rules Come to an End?
As of late 2023, the median monthly cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home in the U.S. was close to $9,000. The vast majority of people cannot afford to pay these prices out of pocket over the long term.
States With the Highest and Lowest Assisted Living Costs
Seniors seeking information on assisted living options may find recent data from the Seniorly Resource Center useful. Its new 2024 report sheds light on the costs of assisted living - from the most to the least expensive - across the U.S.
Medicaid Spend Down: Pay for More Than Just Medical Bills
To qualify for Medicaid, you must have limited income and assets (in most states, no more than $2,000 in your name). If you have more than that, you may find yourself having to "spend down" your extra assets to meet the $2,000 limit.
Retirees: Deduct Your Long-Term Care Insurance Premium
Even if you have a long-term care insurance policy, you may likely be hoping that you won't ever have reason to use it. Regardless of what the future holds, there's one silver lining of which you may not be aware. That is, premiums on many long-term care insurance policies are in fact tax-deductible.
Getting Help When Providing Care at Home for Aging Parents
As they grow older, your parents may prefer to continue living in their home rather than moving to a long-term care facility. They are not alone in this; more than three-quarters of adults over the age of 50 say they would prefer to age in place.
Medicaid Spend Down: Pay for More Than Just Medical Bills
To qualify for Medicaid, you must have limited income and assets (in most states, no more than $2,000 in your name). If you have more than that, you may find yourself having to "spend down" your extra assets to meet the $2,000 limit.