Category Archives: Elder Law
March 8, 2016 Government Report Warns of Looming Drug Price Increases
With the 2016 elections well under way, many older adults are wondering how the candidates will shape the future of Medicare, Social Security, and other programs that help seniors. And while the future of health care in America may not be certain, one definitely is going to change – drug prices. The 2016 report… Read More »
5 Reasons Not to Put Off Your Estate Plan
Many Florida residents have chosen to retire in the sunshine state to avoid cold winters and to partake in the host of sunny outdoors activities that are in such abundance here. People come from all over to enjoy the moderate temperatures and year-round accessibility of Florida’s beaches. Yet, every summer, many of these same… Read More »
Obesity Rates Higher in Southern States: Florida a Significant Exception
A project partly funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation keeps track of obesity and disease rates in the U.S. One of the most significant health risks of this century is type-II diabetes. According to one source, obesity rates are escalating out of control and many policymakers wonder what can be done to stop… Read More »
Elder Exploitation Sometimes Subtler Than Expected
We have all heard the horrifying stories of seniors being ripped off by deadbeat con artists or dishonest contractors. But exploitation goes far beyond business dealings with strangers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ special Agency on Aging provides regular statistics tracking the prevalence of elder abuse in America. According to reports… Read More »
2015 Report Ranks Florida 33rd in Senior Health
For millions of American retirees, Florida is a lifelong dream. Mild winters, plentiful beaches, and year-round activities make our state on of the best places to retire. This is further proven by the rise in Florida boomtowns like the Villages, which is presently the fastest growing town in America, as reported by CNBC.com. With… Read More »
Pros and Cons of Creating a Florida Life Estate: Part Two – The Drawbacks
In the last post on Florida life estates, we looked at some of the potential benefits of sidestepping probate by conveying real estate using a life estate. This simple and effective transfer allows a life tenant to have unfettered use of the property while alive, while allowing another party to have the ultimate title… Read More »
What is a Medicaid Penalty Period?
When it comes to Medicaid, you may have heard talk of a “penalty period.” It is a real problem for some seniors hoping to use Medicaid to pay for long-term care. Here, we will address how a penalty period works and what can be done to minimize the effect of a penalty period. Who… Read More »
Qualifying for Veterans Nursing Home Care
Veterans of the Armed Forces have several added benefits when it comes to retirement and long-term care planning. When consulting your Florida elder law attorney about planning for nursing home care, it is important to consider all the options. In addition to treatment in VA operated medical facilities, many veterans also qualify for additional… Read More »
Should I Use Joint Ownership to Avoid Probate?
Few things are as unattractive as probate court. There are attorneys, fees, court costs, appearances, and the ever-present paternalism of having a judge preside over your family’s personal affairs. Nevertheless, in Florida, many families have to use the probate court to handle final affairs. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but the concerns… Read More »
Rising Costs of Long-term Care Threaten Retirement for Many Americans
Many Florida residents know that long-term skilled nursing care is getting expensive – really expensive. And if you have looked at the statistics, then you know this trend is only going to get worse over the next 20 years. While this is disturbing for those already well into their retirement years, it is becoming… Read More »
