Category Archives for 2008
Medicaid-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 […]
Continue readingIdeas Expressed at Pennsylvania Aging Town Meeting
A few weeks ago I related that Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging was coming to West Chester for one of its seven 2008 Town Meetings being held throughout the State. That meeting has concluded, the observations have been duly noted, and the State has moved on to its next locations. Only one more, in Huntingdon County […]
Continue readingGet Help In Talking To Your Healthcare Provider
Most people do not have difficulty expressing to others, especially friends and family members, what they think. Still, the same person who shares his or her observations and complaints regularly with acquaintances can freeze when dealing with medical professionals, doctors, nurses, diagnosticians, and therapists. Sometimes the patient does not know what to ask or thinks […]
Continue readingReverse Mortgages –The Last Cookie Jar?
Almost two years ago I wrote a column assessing reverse mortgages and their role for an aging population. My column referenced an earlier editorial that had appeared in the New York Times titled “Aging in Place.” The Times editorial argued for greater use of reverse mortgages to handle America’s long term care crisis and asserted […]
Continue readingUnscramble Those Taxes
With the number and kinds of taxes in effect today, it is not surprising that average citizens become confused regarding what taxes apply to them and whether and when those taxes must be paid. Here is a summary of some of the most commonly held misconceptions regarding taxes on inheritances and estates that readers might […]
Continue readingScam Proofing Your Life
Last year an AARP book by Sid Kirchheimer, author of the AARP Bulletin “Scam Alert” hit the stands in paperback and, to all accounts, met with instant success. “Scam Proof Your Life: 377 Smart Ways To Protect You & Your Family From Ripoffs, Bogus Deals & Other Consumer Headaches” is overflowing with tips covering everything […]
Continue readingPennsylvania Department of Aging Comes To Town
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is coming to West Chester and they want us to know it. As the fifth in a series of seven 2008 Town Meetings being held throughout Pennsylvania, West Chester University will host the gathering at its Sykes Student Union Building, Theatre-Ground level, 110 West Rosedale Avenue on March 14 from […]
Continue readingWills of the Rich and Famous
A few years ago while attending a Pennsylvania Bar Institute program, I recognized a slim text that caught my attention. “Wills of the Rich and Famous” published by this popular legal education provider contains actual Wills and an analysis. Today, famous wills are also available to the public through Google and other web browsers. Just […]
Continue readingThe Deficit Reduction Act – Two Years Later
This week marks the second anniversary of the federal Deficit Reduction Act and elder law attorneys, two years later, are still interpreting the sweeping changes in Medicaid law effected February 8, 2006. While the law contains provisions that could affect anyone, it most immediately impacts middle class elderly and their families. Families want to know […]
Continue readingPennsylvania’s House of Representatives Acts on Taxes
Those of us who have been following the Presidential primaries over the past few months may have missed developments closer to home. Last week, Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives engaged in what was described by one Allentown newspaper as a “tax cutting party” slashing everything from Pennsylvania inheritance taxes to taxes on business profits, cell phones, […]
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