Gran Torino’ Is a Movie For Seniors That Defies Stereotypes
Rarely does an elder law attorney have the opportunity to review a latest movie directed by a screen legend, but “Gran Torino,” the latest from Clint Eastwood, deserves the credit. For those who have not yet seen the movie, I will not spoil the ending but, suffice it to say that the storyline keeps you […]
Continue readingWhen Times Are Tight, How To Decide What Bills To Pay First
If reports are correct, because the real estate market is relatively more stable here, Chester County is not experiencing nearly so many of the financial problems that affect the rest of the country now. However, everyone is watching what he or she is paying and that affects both the individual and society at large. For […]
Continue readingNews Flash – Required Minimum Distributions Suspended in 2009
While the details of the federal Economic Stimulus Plan are being resolved, some relief measures affecting individuals have already taken effect. One of these that affects seniors is temporary suspension of the Required Minimum Distribution rules for IRA’s, 401(k)’s and similar retirement accounts. The Worker, Retiree, Employer Recovery Act of 2008 provides that account holders […]
Continue readingFamily Agreements Go National – Report From the NAELA Unprogram
Twice a year I always travel to meet up with groups of elder law attorneys for a few days and refresh what we know. July means Harrisburg or Hershey, Pennsylvania for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute sponsored “Elder Law Institute.” In January it is Grapevine near Dallas or Houston, Texas for the National Academy of Elder […]
Continue readingPlan For Care Before Funds Run Low- the $50,000 Problem
Some dilemmas reoccur with such frequency, I give them a name. This is true of the “$50,000 problem.” For some families, $50,000 may be $75,000 or $20,000 or nothing but for many, it seems that, at about the $50,000 point in liquid assets, families with parents or spouses in assisted living or, for that matter, […]
Continue readingFinancial Decisions Do Not Have To Be Difficult
Traveling can give a person added time to think and new perspective. I found this to be true last weekend while rushing through Philadelphia International Airport for a plane to Dallas-Fort Worth on Friday and then waiting what seemed like endless hours for my return flight from Dallas to Philadelphia on Sunday. The occasion for […]
Continue readingCaring for An Aging Parent?
Sometimes family members caring for an aging and physically disabled relative, lose track of the fact that they need care themselves at times. They may also never have never thought of whether the services they provide should be compensated. This factor is especially significant in Pennsylvania where, according to government reports, over 80 percent of […]
Continue readingPenn Treaty and Conseco Long Term Care Insurers In the News
Long term care insurance policyholders for two companies with ties to Pennsylvania will need to stay tuned for developments relative to their long range fiscal health. On January 6, 2009, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department issued a Press Release, “Insurance Department Takes Control of Struggling Allentown-based Insurer & Subsidiary,” relative to Penn Treaty Network America Insurance […]
Continue readingJoy Is Timeless
New Year’s Day brings with it time to reflect on growing up, aging and the capacity for joy. What follows is from a previous column. I thought readers might enjoy sharing these ideas again. “One of the most memorable New Year’s Eves I remember was spent in a nursing home. The lights reflected into the […]
Continue readingJoy Is Timeless – A Reprise
New Year’s brings with it time to reflect on growing up, aging and the capacity for joy. What follows is from a previous column. This is a time, I thought, with all of the crises that face us, readers might enjoy sharing these ideas again. “One of the most memorable New Year’s Eves I remember […]
Continue reading2008 Changes Meaning of a Billion Dollars
Often I end the year with a column on memories of New Years Eve’s from years past. This year one story eluded comment in the press and public and was so obvious and yet unspoken that I just could not resist. Beyond reporting of the Presidential election and the current financial crisis, the disturbing thought […]
Continue readingPennsylvania Unveils Website To Help In Tough Times
Every so often a government agency releases information concerning a program or service and undersells just how great it is. I have to admit that this happens rarely both in government and in the private sector. Last week Pennsylvania outdid itself with a new website, HereToHelp.pa.gov found at www.heretohelp.pa.gov. The press release from the Governor’s […]
Continue readingProposed Assisted Living Regulations Need Revision
A little over a year ago, on July 30, 2007, I reported that Assisted Living had recently been officially recognized in Pennsylvania with the passage of Act 56 of that year. See “Assisted Living Officially Arrives in Pennsylvania, “ www.collitonlaw.com. What most people did not realize is that, before that time, Assisted Living did not […]
Continue readingA Reader Comments On Open Enrollment and PFFS Medicare
When I wrote last week regarding the Medicare Open Enrollment period, that time of year when Medicare recipients can sign up for or change their Medicare “D” prescription drug coverage or their Medicare Advantage health insurance plans, I was not expecting a response from a reader regarding Private Fee For Service (PFFS) Medicare. Still, that […]
Continue readingWhat You Need To Know For Medicare Open Enrollment
With Thanksgiving comes that time of year for Medicare enrollees to sharpen their pencils and get to work deciding their prescription (Medicare Part “D”)and Medicare Advantage plans for next year. The period known as “open enrollment” began November 15 and will run until December 31. Medicare Supplement enrollees, also referred to as Med Supp, for […]
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