Make Sure You Are Counted in the 2020 Census
The 2020 census is starting soon, and seniors need to be counted. This may be more of a challenge this year because for the first time, the census will be completed largely online. The U.S [...]
How Secure Is Social Security?
For years people have been worried about Social Security’s future, but what is the actual outlook? According to the federal government, unless Congress acts to intervene, Social Security [...]
The Trump Administration Allows States to Choose Medicaid Block Grants
The Trump administration has unveiled a plan to allow states the option to cap Medicaid spending using block grants. While this change does not directly affect nursing home residents on Medicaid [...]
How Does Medi-Cal Treat Income?
The basic Medi-Cal rule for nursing home residents is that they must pay all of their income, minus certain deductions, to the nursing home. The deductions include a $60-a-month personal needs [...]
Medi-Cal Protections for the Healthy Spouse
Medi-Cal law provides special protections for the spouses of Medi-Cal applicants to make sure the spouses have the minimum support needed to continue to live in the community while their husband [...]
Caregivers Are Getting Younger, Making Planning for Long-Term Care Even More Important
As baby boomers age, more and more millennials are becoming caregivers. Many are taking on this role while just getting started in their own lives, leading to difficult decisions about [...]
Medicare Now Covers Outpatient Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Recognizing the huge problems caused by opioid addiction in the United States, Medicare is adding a new outpatient opioid treatment benefit, paying for methadone and related treatment in certain [...]
Free Tax Preparation Help Is Available to Seniors
Seniors and retirees should know that they may be able to use online tax preparation software free of charge. Most low- and middle-income Americans qualify for the free help, but do not take [...]
Will Restrictive Immigration Policies Cause a Shortage of Caregivers for the Elderly?
As the population ages, the need for caregivers is growing, but more restrictive immigration policies such as those being promoted by the Trump administration could have a negative impact on a [...]
Movement Grows to Add Dental Coverage to Medicare
Medicare does not offer much in the way of dental benefits. To get dental coverage, you need to purchase separate and often costly dental insurance or sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that [...]
