Some Medicare Advantage beneficiaries receive Medicare flex cards, pre-paid debit cards for qualifying expenses, as part of their benefits. The U.S. government does not issue Medicare flex cards. This benefit is only available on select Medicare Advantage plans, a private alternative to Medicare. Traditional Medicare does not offer flex cards. Certain Medicare Advantage plans provide beneficiaries with flex cards that can pay for qualifying goods and services. Plans offering a flex card … [Read more...] about What Is a Medicare Flex Card?
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11 Things You Can Do Online Via the Social Security Website
The Social Security Administration (SSA) website hosts a wealth of online tools that offer you convenient access to benefits information. To make the most of these tools, simply create a my Social Security account online. It is free to set up a mySSA account. More than 65 million people are currently collecting Social Security benefits. Whether or not you are already receiving these benefits, there are numerous services you may be able to take advantage of through the SSA website. These … [Read more...] about 11 Things You Can Do Online Via the Social Security Website
RSV Vaccine Options for U.S. Seniors to Become Available
Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have each developed a vaccine to protect older adults from a virus known as RSV. People over 60 are at significant risk of serious complications if they contract RSV. Fortunately, with the recent FDA approval of Pfizer’s Abrysvo vaccine and GSK’s Arexvy vaccine, along with practical safety measures, seniors can take steps to avoid the effects of this virus. What Is RSV? Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a … [Read more...] about RSV Vaccine Options for U.S. Seniors to Become Available
Why Hire an Elder Law Attorney?
Elder law attorneys may specialize in estate planning, incapacity planning, and end-of-life care for seniors. They also help older adults remain in their homes as they age and protect them from abuse. These practitioners are essential because they work to protect a vulnerable population. To plan for their future and their care, seniors and their families should consider hiring an elder law attorney. How Can an Elder Law Attorney Help My Aging Loved One? Having a plan for your aging … [Read more...] about Why Hire an Elder Law Attorney?
Will Robotics and AI Be the Future of Elder Care?
Adults 65 and older constitute the fasting-growing age demographic in the United States. When it comes to elder care, this expanding population is facing a scarcity in people equipped to support them as they get older. One estimate predicts a shortage of 151,000 paid direct care workers and 3.8 unpaid family caregivers by 2030, increasing to a gap of 355,000 paid workers with 11 million unpaid family caregivers by 2040. Technological advancements in robotics and artificial … [Read more...] about Will Robotics and AI Be the Future of Elder Care?
Which Should I Choose? Nursing Home Care vs. Hospice Care
End-of-life decisions are never easy. One of the most important decisions you may make regarding health care as you age could be whether you need a nursing home or hospice care. To make the best choice for you and your family, it helps to know the difference between the nature of the care provided through a nursing home as compared with hospice. Nursing Home Care Nursing home facilities offer residential care for the elderly and disabled. The treatment patients receive from a nursing … [Read more...] about Which Should I Choose? Nursing Home Care vs. Hospice Care
Is “Aging in Place” Right for Me?
Most older adults want to remain in their homes and communities as they age rather than move into assisted living facilities or nursing homes. For those who wish to maintain their independence and continue living at home as they grow older, taking certain steps to protect their physical, mental, and financial welfare is essential. What Does It Mean to Age in Place? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as a senior’s “ability to live in … [Read more...] about Is “Aging in Place” Right for Me?
How Much Long-Term Care Insurance Should You Purchase?
Long-term care insurance helps you prepare for financial costs associated with aging, such as nursing home care, assisted living, or in-home care. Yet long-term care insurance policies vary widely in terms of the amount of coverage and how long the protection lasts. The Average Costs of Care The 2021 Genworth cost of long-term care survey provides national median monthly costs for the following: Nursing home care = $9,034 (private room); $7,908 (semi-private room) Adult day health … [Read more...] about How Much Long-Term Care Insurance Should You Purchase?
Can a Nursing Home Hold Friends or Family Members Responsible For a Resident’s Care?
If your loved one is entering a nursing home, you may worry whether you could be liable for their care. Under federal law, a facility cannot require a family member or friend to co-sign an admission agreement and take on personal liability. However, nursing homes around the country still try to do so, and often these matters end up in court. What can you do to prevent this from happening to you? It starts with educating yourself on what is and is not allowed. A law known as the Federal … [Read more...] about Can a Nursing Home Hold Friends or Family Members Responsible For a Resident’s Care?
Majority of Adult Children Cannot Support Boomer Parents, Surveys Find
A recent survey by the American Advisors Group (AAG) finds that 55 percent of adult children say they are not financially prepared to help their Baby Boomer parents cope with rising inflation and living expenses. “Americans want to see their parents age with grace and dignity and have the resources they need to live comfortably, but for many families the current economy is making that difficult,” AAG Chief of Marketing Martin Lenoir said in a news release. AAG surveyed more than 1,500 adult … [Read more...] about Majority of Adult Children Cannot Support Boomer Parents, Surveys Find