Critter Corner: How do Medicare and Social Security Work Together?

Dear Oakley,My husband will soon be retiring and is curious about Social Security and Medicare and how the two programs work together. Can you help explain this to him? Thanks for your help! Tu Gether --- Dear Tu, Social … [Read more...]

Boo! Our Top 10 Scariest Articles of 2020 (A Very Scary Year!)

2020 has been a scary year! Since we’re so close to Halloween, it’s a perfect time to catch up on some of the scariest elder law, estate planning, and special needs planning articles until now. Exposing everything from dementia at … [Read more...]

Medicare Open Enrollment: What Changed in Response to the Coronavirus?

Q. I know that the Medicare Open Enrollment Period starts next month. Have there been any changes that I should know about in response to the coronavirus? Do you have any tips for Open Enrollment? This is my first one. Thanks for … [Read more...]

CMS Launches New Compare Tool, Featuring All Eight Healthcare Tools in One Place

Lois’ mom moved to Northern Virginia last winter. Since she has been here, she has needed new doctors, a hospital for a surgical procedure, and a new physical therapist. Lois tried to be helpful in finding her mother names of … [Read more...]

Will Medicare Cover Alzheimer’s Brain Scans?

In the past few months, Julia has noticed that her mother, Betsy, has become increasingly forgetful. Betsy’s memory loss started out mild, including losing her keys and forgetting the day of the week, but is beginning to disrupt … [Read more...]

Groundbreaking Decision Made on Observation Status Appeals

Q. My mother, Ellen, spent a week in the hospital and ended up having surgery. She was seen by doctors and nurses, given several tests, had the surgery, and then got sent to a nursing home for two weeks of rehabilitation. She is … [Read more...]

When Healthcare is Not Accessible

Q. I grew up in Northern Virginia and still live here with my wife and two children. Five years ago, my parents sold their home and moved to a more rural part of the state to get away from the traffic and congestion. My mother … [Read more...]

Part D Donut Hole is Closed, But Does That Mean It’s Going Away?

Rosanna (68) takes more than a dozen medications regularly to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, acid reflux, and other chronic problems. She signed up for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage a few years ago, hoping … [Read more...]

A Major Change to Therapy/Rehabilitation Coverage for Medicare Patients

Q. At age 62, my father, Paul, was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). He can’t walk, get out of bed, or breathe on his own (he’s on a ventilator). He can’t use the toilet, bathe, or dress himself, either. After a … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Medicare Care Planning Benefit for People with Alzheimer’s

Dear Magic,My mother, Ingrid, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. We know that there is no cure and that it only gets worse as time progresses. We’d like to plan in advance to make sure she gets the support services and … [Read more...]

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