All posts by Janet Colliton
Losing Money By Saving It
Years ago, my first exposure as a young associate to law in Philadelphia included litigation defending architects who had been sued for serious personal injury or property damage. In every case it seemed our architect defendants had acted properly pointing out the risks and designing safe and effective structures. Almost always the tragic and costly […]
Continue readingWith PFFS Americans May Pay More For Less Medicare
About a month ago I was discussing a medical bill with a local hospital billing office and noted that the statement could not be correct since, even under original Medicare, the program available to those over age 65, the deductible would be less than the hospital’s charges. My client was clearly over age 65 at […]
Continue readingStretch Assisted Living Dollars With Tax Deductions
While many have not yet recognized this fact, assisted living facilities such as Sunrise, New Seasons, Bellingham, and others and the assisted living portions of continuing care retirement communities are gradually standing side by side with nursing homes as a primary residence for those with serious chronic care needs. This movement results partly from programs […]
Continue readingAbuse Has No Age Categories
In response to last week’s column on elder abuse and “World Elder Abuse Abuse Awareness Day,” a reader e-mailed me a comment that she knew of a woman who was being abused by her elderly parent, highlighting the distressing reality of nursing home abuse. The email reminds me that abuse does not depend on […]
Continue readingElder Abuse Awareness in PA on WEAAD
Neil Hendershot, a Harrisburg attorney with the law firm of Goldberg Katzman, PC, a friend and colleague, has from time to time and with permission, included in his excellent Pennsylvania Elder, Estate & Fiduciary Law Blog, www.paelderestatefiduciary.blogspot.com, excerpts from some of my Daily Local News columns. This is highly appreciated by the domestic violence defense […]
Continue readingHow Formal Must a Will Be
Curious inquirers sometimes ask me what is the least formal legal document that will still be considered valid. Must the Power of Attorney be notarized? Will it be accepted without witnesses? What happens if the maker of a Will cannot easily locate someone outside the family to witness the signing of his Will? Can he […]
Continue readingHow Active Duty Military Can Access Legal Assistance
This past May 23, in honor of the upcoming Memorial Day commemoration, a friend and colleague, Neil Hendershot, included in his blog valuable references to estate planning information for military personnel. Neil, a Harrisburg attorney with the law firm of Goldberg Katzman, PC, hosts the Pennsylvania Elder, Estate & Fiduciary Law Blog, a prolific site […]
Continue readingQualified Veterans Can Benefit From Aid and Attendance
When Americans think of medical care for ailing and disabled Veterans, the first access point that comes to mind is the sprawling network of Veterans Administration Hospitals. Although VA Hospitals are invaluable resources and provide many benefits locally including much needed prescription assistance and acute care at the Coatesville Veterans Administration Hospital, long term care […]
Continue readingCaregivers Need Legal Advice
Caregivers today, more than ever, need legal advice. Most of them are not receiving it. When Mom moves in with her son and daughter-in-law or Dad jointly titles assets with one of his sons after his wife’s death, there may be legal consequences, both good and bad. Sorting through the issues up front becomes critical. […]
Continue readingMedicaid-opoly – Here Are the Answers
Last week I challenged readers’ knowledge of Medicaid rules in a game of “Medicaid-opoly”. As promised, this week I am publishing answers to the “true or false” and multiple choice sections. Readers should compare what they considered to be the answers to the actual answers below. Readers might also hold on to last week’s and […]
Continue readingPlay Medicaid-opoly
Qualifying for Medicaid, regardless of need, has become like playing numbers in the lottery. The rules are increasingly complex. What is especially disturbing is the amount of misinformation obtained even from people who might work within the medical delivery system. As one result a person who needs care and whose assets are low enough to […]
Continue readingPennsylvania Tells Boomers To Own Their Future
When it comes to sales pitches, I qualify as a mild cynic. My explanation to others is that, while I’m not “from Missouri,” the “show me” state, my grandfather on my mother’s side was. With this as background, I recently opened an imposing looking envelope addressed to me from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of […]
Continue readingHow To Claim Under the Economic Stimulus Package
Beginning May, 2008, an estimated over 130 million American households are expected to begin receiving checks from the federal government as part of a program to jolt the economy back into action. The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 approved by President Bush and passed by Congress provides for payments from a low of $300 for […]
Continue readingAssistive Technology May Help Seniors To Stay At Home
Last week, while taping my once a month segment for WCOJ’s “Legal Talk” program, I had one of those “aha” moments that force me to rethink some basic notions on senior care. “Legal Talk” will be familiar to West Chester readers as the radio 1420 program hosted by Steve Karp and Peter Hart who are […]
Continue readingA Precautionary Tale on Annuities
Suppose you own an annuity. A financial advisor, on reviewing your assets, proposes that you exchange your old annuity for a new one. After hearing the description of a first year “bonus” interest rate higher than your current one, and interest rates in the years following the first either at a respectable rate of return […]
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