Kristen R. Matthews, Esq

Consider These Medical Expenses When Planning for Retirement

Health Decisions, Medicaid, Retirement Planning /

Many retirees pride themselves on years of careful financial planning, yet one major area often catches them off guard: the cost of health care. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, even those who’ve saved diligently can be blindsided by three areas of medical expenses: costly prescription drugs, travel-related health care burdens, and the rising […]

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Approaching Retirement Age? View the Senior Happiness Index

Retirement Planning, senior living /

Takeaways While states such as Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona have seen the largest influx of retirees as of 2023, these states are not necessarily among the very happiest places for older adults in the United States, according to new data. Caring.com released its 2025 Senior Happiness Index, which sheds light on the states where seniors are the most content,

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How a Proposed Medicare Part E Could Benefit Americans

Medicare /

In June 2025, House Democrats Jimmy Gomez (CA) and Don Beyer (VA) reintroduced the Choose Medicare Act, with Senators Jeff Merkley (OR) and Chris Murphy (CT) sponsoring its Senate companion. The bill would establish a Medicare Part E: a public-option version of Medicare that would be available to all individuals and employers as an alternative to private

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What Durable Medical Equipment Does Medicare Part B Cover?

Medicare, Uncategorized /

  Takeaways Durable medical equipment (DME) plays a crucial role in helping people manage chronic conditions, recover from injuries, and maintain independence at home. But with so many types of equipment and different rules for coverage, understanding how DME works, especially under Medicare, can be confusing. Here’s a helpful guide on what durable medical equipment

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Investigation Uncovers Food Insecurity in Nursing Homes

Uncategorized /

Nutrition plays an essential role in the healthy aging. The American Medical Association (AMA) reports that healthy eating reduces mortality by 20 percent. Adequate nutrition is of particular importance for older adults with complex medical needs who reside in long-term care facilities. Yet, a recent journalistic investigation has identified problems with food in nursing homes across the United States.

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What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

senior living /

Dementia is a general term that refers to severe memory loss and problems with thinking, behavior, and social skills that interfere with daily life. According to the National Institutes of Health, this neurological condition affects one in seven adults over age 71. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. It makes up 60 percent to 80 percent

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Parkinson’s Disease in Older Adults: What You Need to Know

Healthcare Decisions, senior living /

Every April, the global Parkinson’s community works to support awareness of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a disease whose cause remains largely unknown. However, treatment options do exist for improving symptoms. What Is Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson’s is a movement disorder in which nerve cells that normally deliver the neurotransmitter called dopamine to other cells in the body experience damage

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New Identity Verification Policy for Social Security

Medicare, Social Security /

In an effort to enhance security and combat fraud, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it is implementing new identity verification processes starting April 14, 2025. These changes will require certain Social Security beneficiaries to verify their identity either online or in person, discontinuing the option to do so over the phone. Overview of the New Policy

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