It’s that time of year when thoughts of living in a warm climate appeal to those of us stuck in the frigid northeast. Those who are blessed with the opportunity to spend part of their year in Florida or another warm climate, may be interested in some of the estate planning issues that arise when you […]
What to do if Your Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums Have Skyrocketed
At an alarming rate, owners of long term care insurance policies are getting notices that the premium for their policy is going up. These letters advise of options to reduce the impact of the premium increases, such as taking a reduction in benefits. Insurance companies are also warning that these increases will continue in the […]
PETER FALK’S LAW: Proposed Law Gives Visitation Rights to Families of Incapacitated Persons
A bill introduced in Pennsylvania’s Senate proposes to bring “Peter Falk’s Law” to Pennsylvania. The law provides visitation rights to the families of incapacitated persons who are under the legal custody of a court appointed guardian. The law also gives notification rights to families regarding the incapacitated person’s change in residence, admission to a hospital […]
“Elder Abuse Prevention & Protection Act” Seeks to Fight Abuse by Court Appointed Guardians
Elder abuse is one of the most under reported crimes in our country. Even the reported cases are difficult to prosecute. Older adults are financially exploited through telemarketing, e-mail scams and by those who are supposed to look after the senior’s affairs, such as court appointed guardians. A court appointed guardian is named by a […]
Does Your Power of Attorney Have “Hot Powers”?
Not all powers of attorney are created equal. Durable financial powers of attorney grant your agent the authority to act for you when you are unable. These agency agreements can vary in terms of scope and complexity. Some financial powers of attorney are very simple. They permit your agent to manage your money and property. […]
Choose Your Medigap Plan Wisely
A client recently asked me why his Medigap Policy Plan F did not cover physical therapy received in a nursing home after a slip and fall. Medigap policies are intended to cover the co-pays and deductibles associated with traditional Medicare A and B. The Medigap Plan F is one of the more comprehensive Medigap Plans […]
How to Protect the Family Farm from Nursing Home Costs
Many families have a farm that has been in the family for generations. Title to these farms is often transferred as an inheritance to one or more of the children in the next generation. In the past, the biggest threat to keeping the farm in the family was the inheritance tax. Thankfully, the Federal Estate […]