Is There a Difference between Medicare and Long Term Care Medicaid?
For many people there is a general misunderstanding regarding the two programs: Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicare is a nationwide, age based, governmental health insurance program funded by the Social Security Administration. Most of us, as taxpayers, will contribute to this fund while we are working. There is also a monthly premium that is paid for the level of insurance you choose to enroll in. You become eligible for the benefit when you turn 65, so it is an age based program. Some people with certain disabilities may be eligible for the health insurance before they turn 65.
There are different...
Estate Planning: For the Young and Old, Famous or Not
Many of you are probably familiar with the actor Luke Perry. Maybe you know him from his days playing Dylan on the popular 1990’s TV drama 90210 or possibly from his more recent role as Frank Andrews on the hit show Riverdale. On May 4th, Perry unexpectedly passed away at the age of 52 due to complications from a stroke he suffered a week prior. In departing this life far too early, Perry shows us all why estate planning is important at any stage of life.
From what details have been gathered regarding Perry’s Estate Planning, it appears that his...
Why Guardianship?
What is a Guardian? A Guardian is a Court appointed person authorized to make legal, medical and financial decisions for a disabled person.
Why would I need to pursue a Guardianship? Guardianship is necessary when an individual becomes incapacitated and there is not a legal Medical and/or Durable Power of Attorney in place that would allow someone to act and make decisions on an individual’s behalf and in their best interest. Typically, a relative or friend to the disabled person Petitions the Court of Chancery in Delaware, or the Circuit Court in Maryland, and requests permission to serve as the...
Can a Substitution Be Named for a Power of Attorney?
“Historically, the purpose of a power of attorney is to select an agent (and ideally, successor agents) to act, in case you need assistance.”
Naming a trusted individual, whether a family member or a friend, to be your power of attorney is a significant decision. That person has the power to make financial decisions on your behalf, when you are unable to do so. It is, therefore, a serious responsibility, says My San Antonio Life in the article “Substitution of Agent and Delegation of Authority.”
Here’s an example of what can go wrong. A man’s father signed a...
Think Your Estate Plan is Done? Think Again!
“You have reviewed multiple drafts of your Will, Trust, Living Will and Financial Power of Attorney, attended multiple meetings with your attorney, discussed the final distribution of your assets, selected your Executor and Trustee and finally executed your estate planning documents. So, you must be done, right?”
Putting your estate plan in place is a big first step in the process. However, it is only the first step for many people, according to this article “So You Think You’re Done with Your Estate Plan…” from the National Law Review. Here’s an excellent checklist of items that are commonly...