Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans – Are They Right For You?
As of 2020, approximately 12.5 million people have Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over 65 and specific disabled individuals. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps provide medical care for those with limited income and resources. Medicaid recipients include children, pregnant women, and individuals who are blind or […]
How Your Will Can Protect Your Children With Disabilities
August signifies National Make-a-Will Month. For the one in five families who care for children with special needs, estate planning is crucial. Parents of a child with a disability face numerous challenges and concerns. One 2022 study found that getting sick stands among these parents’ biggest worries of what will happen to their children if they get […]
Why Georgia’s New Medicaid Program May Impact You
In June 2023, Georgia announced the implementation of the Pathways to Coverage program, effective July 1, 2023. If successful, it could allow able-bodied adults who have not previously qualified for Medicaid to join the program and have access to health coverage if they meet certain conditions. What Is Medicaid? Medicaid is a public assistance program that […]
National Retirement Risk Index: Many to Fall Short of Goals
Nearly half of American households will fall short of their retirement goals, researchers have found. According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College’s National Retirement Risk Index (NRRI), if Americans work until age 65 and annuitize their assets, 47 percent will still be unable to maintain their standard of living. The new […]
The No Surprises Act May Help With Unexpected Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act is a federal law enacted to protect patients from unexpected medical bills incurred on or after January 1, 2022. It aims to address the issue of surprise medical billing, which can occur when patients receive unexpected charges for their medical care. The Act applies to out-of-network emergency services, out-of-network air ambulance services, […]
What Is a Medicare Flex Card?
Some Medicare Advantage beneficiaries receive Medicare flex cards, pre-paid debit cards for qualifying expenses, as part of their benefits. The U.S. government does not issue Medicare flex cards. This benefit is only available on select Medicare Advantage plans, a private alternative to Medicare. Traditional Medicare does not offer flex cards. Certain Medicare Advantage plans provide […]
How the Debt Ceiling Bill Could Impact Medicaid Enrollees
For adults who rely on Medicaid, a bill recently passed by the House may mean holding a job would become necessary to continue accessing benefits. What Is Medicaid? Medicaid is a public benefits program providing health insurance for individuals with limited resources, including seniors, who qualify based partly on their income. With its enrollment […]
Is “Aging in Place” Right for Me?
Most older adults want to remain in their homes and communities as they age rather than move into assisted living facilities or nursing homes. For those who wish to maintain their independence and continue living at home as they grow older, taking certain steps to protect their physical, mental, and financial welfare is essential. What […]
Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference?
Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are long-term housing and care options for older adults. Although people sometimes use the terms assisted living and nursing home synonymously, they are distinct. Understanding the differences between assisted living and nursing homes is critical for those considering where to live as they age. This is because assisted […]
This Tax Season, Seniors Can Get Free Assistance
When filing your 2022 federal tax return for the 2023 tax season, you may be able to access several free assistance forms. Filing Online: IRS Free File In January 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s Free File service opened to taxpayers. Through IRS Free File, you can prepare and file your federal individual tax online — […]
