Kristen R. Matthews, Esq

New Rule Aids Seniors Who Are First-Time Medicare Enrollees

A new rule going into effect January 1, 2023, is setting seniors up with improved access to health care coverage. Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins as you approach your 65th birthday. For the three months leading up to that milestone birthday, during the actual month of your 65th birthday, as well as for […]

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Now You Can See More Data Before Choosing a Nursing Home

For families seeking nursing home care for a loved one, getting information on what a nursing home is truly like or who owns it is easier said than done. Many rely on word of mouth, referrals, or recommendations. Others must depend on their gut instincts and site visits as part of their decision-making process. Family

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Insured Retirees Paying Tens of Thousands for Health Care

It’s no secret that health care remains one of the biggest expenses facing American retirees. Coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, or another insurer will help mitigate these costs to some extent. Yet retirees still tend to pay tens of thousands of dollars for health care over the course of their retirement years. A recent analysis estimates that retired

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Social Security Recipients to Get Another Increase in 2023

The Social Security Administration has announced that its beneficiaries will see a significant increase – totaling nearly 9 percent – in their monthly Social Security checks come January 2023. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is the largest boost to Social Security benefits in more than 40 years. The increase for 2022 was 5.9 percent. How Much More Will I Receive?

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“The Forgotten Middle”: Seniors Facing Housing, Care Crisis

Seniors who have an income above the Medicaid threshold but lack a high enough income to have substantial personal savings are considered “The Forgotten Middle.” These are elders who are more likely to struggle to afford long-term care that may become necessary as they age. According to a recent analysis by NORC at the University

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Honoring Family Caregivers Month: Resources for Grandparent Caregivers

November will mark National Family Caregivers Month. Today, roughly 3 million children reside with grandparents who have committed to being their primary caregivers, according to Pew Research Center estimates. Grandparents may step in when the child’s parents can no longer take care of the child, when the parents pass away, or when a court takes

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After a Dementia Diagnosis: Preparing for the Future

A diagnosis of dementia, a category of diseases affecting memory and thinking that includes Alzheimer’s disease, can feel overwhelming and upsetting. You might worry that you will lose control over your life and ability to make your own decisions. Fortunately, receiving a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s does not mean that you cannot execute legal

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

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 and makes up 60 percent to 80

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