The Federal Government has issued a final rule that limits the use of pre-dispute arbitration agreements between nursing facilities and their residents. The final rule was published on July 16, 2019 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the government agency that regulates Medicare and Medicaid program providers. When someone is admitted to […]
PA Eliminates Tax on Some Parent to Child Inheritances
Pennsylvania has now eliminated state inheritance tax on transfers from a parent to or for the use of a child age 21 or younger upon the death of the parent. This includes transfers from a natural parent, adoptive parent or stepparent. Pennsylvania inheritance tax is imposed as a percentage of the value of most property […]
Why you may be liable for your Parent’s or Adult Child’s care costs
Here is a quick multiple-choice test for you. Who is ultimately responsible to pay for the care needed by an adult who has no way to pay for the care they need? A) The Government (e.g. Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security Disability) B) The company providing the care C) The spouse, parents and/or children of the […]
Guides to Managing Someone Else’s Money
At various times during my life I have had the responsibility of helping an aging relative pay their bills and handle their investments. I have been authorized to perform this financial caregiving either as a trustee or as an agent acting under a power of attorney. I can testify from personal experience that helping another […]
What is a Will?
A Will is commonly defined as a document which disposes of a person’s property after their death. But it can be much more than that, or sometimes less. A Will is also known as a “Last Will and Testament”. It is helpful to think of a Will as being a document that gives your instructions […]
Being Mortal
One major benefit of being semi-retired is that I have more time to “read” audio books each day while I walk and exercise. This is given me the opportunity to catch up on books I have long wanted to read (e.g. Steinbeck’s East of Eden) as well as more current titles. I recently read a […]
What to do When Dad should no longer be driving
Do you remember when you first got a driver’s license? For me it was over 50 years ago, but I remember it vividly. It was both scary and exhilarating: the adulthood it implied, the freedom it offered, the awesome responsibility. Wow, that was a memorable moment of my life. Now that I am at the […]