Marriage and Medicaid
George called me concerning his step-mom, Rita. Rita is in the hospital but about to be transferred to a nursing facility where she will remain on a long term basis once Medicare coverage stops. The conversation quickly turned to Medicaid. George explained that Dad and Rita have been married 5 years.
Changes in Hospitals’ Treatment of Medicare Patients (Part 2)
Last week we were talking about Medicare’s Affordable Care Act and how the government is trying to reduce Medicare costs by targeting the problem of readmissions. Beginning last October, Medicare began penalizing hospitals for having too many readmissions. So, what has the impact been in New Jersey over the past
Changes in Hospitals’ Treatment of Medicare Patients
For years hospitals have struggled with the readmission rates of their elderly and disabled patients, those on Medicare. Government spending on Medicare reached nearly $600 billion last year with a quarter of that cost attributed to hospital inpatient services. That number is projected to grow 4% a year. Last year, under
New Trend in Medical Care – Geriatric ER?
As I have written often, we will see many changes in the types of services and the ways they will be offered as the population continues to age, with 77 million baby boomers approaching senior status. One interesting change, in which New Jersey is in the forefront, is the appearance
Medicare Settlement – How will it change things?
Last week I was discussing the recent settlement in the case of Jimmo v. Sebelius that will have a huge impact on Medicare recipients who need rehabilitative services at home or in a skilled nursing facility. We’ll have to wait and see how this affects care in the long term
Medicare Settlement May Affect Many
Mom has dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis or is in a general declining state of health due to advanced age. She has an acute condition or injury that requires her entry to the hospital and then to a sub acute facility for rehabilitation. Up to 100 days of rehabilitative services
An Opportunity You Don’t Want to Pass Up
This is a special time of year. No, I’m not talking about Halloween or the traditional holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. It is Medicare’s open enrollment period, a once a year special event. Medicare is one of the many government programs that can be maddeningly confusing. There are so
65 and Still Working – Should I Enroll in Medicare? (Part 2)
What do you think about when you turn 65 in this country? For most people, Social Security and Medicare will quickly come to mind. Last week were talking about the basics of Medicare. This week we’ll pick up where we left off with Medicare Part B. Part B covers doctors’ bills.
I’m 65 and Still Working – Should I Enroll in Medicare? (Part 1)
Much has been written about the oldest baby boomers starting to turn 65 next month and what it might mean for the future of long term care in this country. But, from a practical standpoint there are decisions that each new senior must make that so many are unaware of.
Can I Make Gifts this Holiday Season? (Part 2)
Last week we were talking about gift giving. Most people assume an elderly family member can make gifts without any tax consequences as long as it doesn’t exceed $13,000 per person per year. That’s true. However, it may very well cause a problem if you run out of money and