Would You Skip Homeowner’s Insurance to Save a Few Thousand Dollars?
We were discussing our VA plan and how we have clients place assets into a trust, then qualify for VA benefits and guide families on how to spend the money in the trust so we can keep eligibility for New Jersey Medicaid should it be necessary. “But, my brothers and
Big Changes in the VA Aid and Attendance Program on the Horizon
Eligible wartime veterans and the widowed spouses of wartime veterans can qualify for a special pension that can go a long way towards helping to pay the skyrocketing cost of long term care. In many cases we can qualify needy applicants almost immediately even though they have assets greater
No Luck with Medicaid? VA to the Rescue
Karl had been in an assisted living facility for several years and doing well there. His family felt fortunate. Although Karl didn’t have much in the way of assets he did have income from Social Security and a pension, totaling $5000. He also had a long term care insurance policy
COLA Increase Returns in 2012
The last 2 years have been especially tough on seniors, especially those on fixed incomes. That’s because there has been no cost of living increase since 2009 so Social Security benefits for millions of Americans have remained the same. Next year, however, the government has announced a 3.6% cost of
The Single Most Dangerous Mistake When Applying for VA Benefits (Part 2)
Last week we were talking about Melissa’s call to our office. Her parents had been receiving VA benefits for 2 years while living in an assisted living facility and everything had been great. The reason she called us, however, is that Dad now needs nursing home care. Her parents have
The Single Most Dangerous Mistake When Applying for VA Benefits (Part 1)
Melissa called to explain her parents’ situation. Mom was 80 and Dad 85. For a number of years they had been receiving care at home from a home health aide. 2 years ago, Melissa attended a seminar offered by a financial advisor at a local assisted living facility about a
A Long Term Care Story Close to Home
Many of the stories I tell are from clients and prospects that call our office. This one is more personal, about our marketing director, Amy’s grandparents, Julius and Julia. Julius was a World War II veteran who died in 1986. Julia lived independently until 2003, when at age 83 she
Do We Lose Benefits When Veteran Dies While Claim is Pending?
This is a common enough scenario, especially when it seems that the VA is taking longer to process claims than ever before. As with most VA questions, however, the answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the facts of the particular situation. But first let’s review. Specifically,
If I Apply for VA Benefits Can I Still Get Medicaid?
I am always explaining how the various sources of payment for long term care don’t mesh well together. That is certainly true when it comes to VA Aid and Attendance and Medicaid benefits. There are quite a few misconceptions. One is the idea that by receiving VA benefits in an
How We Can Help Our Veterans
As we take the day to honor our Veterans, both young and old, it is a good time to take note of how many veterans are in need of assistance. It has been a while since I have featured veteran’s benefits on this blog. Today is a perfect day to