Medicare is a government health insurance program that is available to seniors who have paid into the program sufficiently during their working years. Because of the fact that you are going to be eligible to enroll in the Medicare program, you might wonder why Medi-Cal may be relevant to you when you are a senior citizen. The reason why a significant percentage of elders who were previously enrolled in the Medicare program ultimately qualify for Medi-Cal is because they need assistance with … [Read more...] about Medi-Cal Planning in California: When Is it Too Late?
This Military Benefit Can Defray Assisted Living Costs
The high cost of assisted living is presenting a challenge as people live longer and the population ages. The Medicare program doesn't pay for assisted living on a long-term basis, so you are on your own unless you can qualify for Medi-Cal. If you plan ahead in an effort to secure Medi-Cal eligibility with the assistance of a licensed elder law attorney, you can be sure that you and your family are retaining a maximum store of assets. Those who have served in the military may well have access … [Read more...] about This Military Benefit Can Defray Assisted Living Costs
Nursing Homes: What Is the Average Length of Stay?
We have frequently touched upon the high cost of nursing home care in the United States on this blog. It is important for people in the elder law community to raise awareness because so many people don't understand the facts. Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of convalescent care under certain circumstances, but it won't pay for long-term care. Nursing home expenses can devastate your savings, and of course that is going to impact the estate that you have left to leave to your loved … [Read more...] about Nursing Homes: What Is the Average Length of Stay?
Economical Alternatives to Nursing Homes
Assisted living costs are something that everyone should be aware of because most senior citizens will eventually need help with their day-to-day needs. Medicare won't pay for an extended stay in a nursing home, so you must be proactive about exploring your options. On average, it currently costs well over $100,000 per year to reside in a nursing home in Northern California. Additionally, we are seeing a steady increase in long-term care costs year-by-year. If you are someone who may need … [Read more...] about Economical Alternatives to Nursing Homes
Be Prepared to Help Your Parents
As you go through life as an adult, the thought of being responsible for your parents to one degree or another may not enter your mind for quite a long time. However, it is important to understand the fact that there may come a time when your parents need your assistance. Most of our nation's elders will need some form of living assistance eventually, and statistically speaking this usually comes from their children, other relatives, and/or friends. In fact, 70% of the care that is provided to … [Read more...] about Be Prepared to Help Your Parents
MetLife Releases Fresh Long-Term Care Statistics
As we start to reach the end of 2012, some much-anticipated annual statistics relevant to the elder law community are becoming available. We can now pass along the news about the release of the brand-new MetLife Mature Market Institute survey that provides a look at the current state of long-term care costs. Experts have stated that these costs are expected to continue to rise, and this year's survey corroborates that assessment. Nationally, the average cost for a private room in a nursing … [Read more...] about MetLife Releases Fresh Long-Term Care Statistics
Nursing Home Contracts: Proceed With Caution
It is always a good idea to consult with a local San Jose elder law attorney before you enter into a contract with a nursing home. This is not to imply that there is generally any unscrupulous intent. It is simply a matter of knowing exactly what you are signing. With the above in mind, there was recently a relevant court case (Cook Willow Health Center v. Judy Andrien) decided in the state of Connecticut. A nursing home was seeking compensation for an unpaid balance, and they cited an … [Read more...] about Nursing Home Contracts: Proceed With Caution
Healthy Seniors, Don’t Overlook Potential Assisted Living Expenses
When you feel completely healthy, you may have a hard time wrapping your head around the possibility of not being in the same condition at some point in the future. This can enter into the equation when you are planning ahead for your retirement years and the twilight years that inevitably follow. Those who have lived healthy lifestyles may assume that they are never going to need living assistance. After all, when you make the right choices over a number of decades, you should receive some … [Read more...] about Healthy Seniors, Don’t Overlook Potential Assisted Living Expenses
